Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) is a national day of appreciation for SES volunteers held annually during National Volunteer Week.
The day recognises the contribution SES volunteers make to communities across the state, supporting people during storms, floods, rescues and other emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
One example is that of Ruth O’Connell and her VICSES Loddon Mallee regional unit, who provide vital and varied support at VICSES hazards and at support call-outs across Victoria’s north-west reaches.
“There are so many different opportunities available within VICSES which can allow people from all walks of life to give back to their community,’’ Ms O’Connell said.
“Being able to be there for people in their moment of need is really special and I’m proud to be able to play my role in the local community in that way.’’
Volunteers also provide important peer support capacity to their neighbouring units during these major events, offering a vital outlet for volunteers to decompress after a challenging response.
VICSES chief officer operations Alistair Drayton said National Volunteer Week and WOW Day gave them the opportunity to publicly thank the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time, skills and energy to helping keep Victorian communities safe.
“Our volunteers are highly trained, nationally accredited and deeply committed to helping others, often during the most difficult moments in people’s lives,’’ she said.
For more information about volunteering with VICSES, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us
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