Western Australians are being encouraged to wear something orange tomorrow (May 20) to recognise our State’s more than 2,000 State Emergency Service volunteers.
Wear Orange Wednesday celebrates the hard work and commitment of SES volunteers who work tirelessly to assist the community during major natural hazards and emergency incidents.
SES volunteers are from all walks of life, ages and backgrounds, and they drop everything to don their orange overalls to attend storms, cyclones, floods, land searches, vertical rescues and car crashes.
In recent times, SES volunteers from around the State have assisted local communities during Tropical Cyclones Blake and Damien, provided vital support during the major bushfires that affected Yanchep, Norseman and the Stirling Ranges, conducted searches for missing people, and helped hundreds of people affected by this month’s storm.
They have also been part of the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting at road closures around WA among other duties.
Sixteen landmarks and buildings across the State such as Matagarup Bridge, Elizabeth Quay and Yagan Square will light up orange tomorrow night as part of WOW Day celebrations.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:
“Our dedicated SES volunteers make themselves available night and day to assist Western Australians in emergencies.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have more than 2,000 SES volunteers who generously contribute their time and skills to help others during cyclones, storms, fires, searches for missing people, community events and much more.
“It’s not just members of the community that they directly support, but you will often find them behind the scenes assisting other emergency services personnel like firefighters by providing meals and logistical support.
“In recent times, they have also played a big role during the COVID-19 response by helping at the road closures around the State and assisting those in quarantine.
“Over the past 12 months, SES volunteers have attended at least 338 incidents and responded to more than 1,500 requests for assistance following storms and cyclones.
“This WOW Day, please wear something orange so we as a State can demonstrate our thanks to the SES for their selfless commitment to helping others.”
