Go orange to show thanks to SES volunteers Wednesday 13 November 2013
Today is national Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) when all Australians are being encouraged to wear orange to say thanks to the nation’s 40,000 State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers. Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson said SES volunteers, who were always highly visible when responding to emergency incidents in their orange overalls, had a passion for helping people. “West Australians can show their gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the SES by wearing an orange item today,” Commissioner Gregson said.
“In the past year, the SES in WA has responded to more than 1,580 calls for help across the State and volunteers donated more than 21,000 hours to assist local communities. “This national day is an acknowledgement of the hours of service the State’s 2,000 SES volunteers spend attending to emergencies and supporting other emergency responders.”
Commissioner Gregson said being an SES volunteer required a lot of hours of training and an ongoing commitment to sacrifice their time and risk their safety to help people in need. “The SES responds to cyclones, floods, storms and earthquakes, assists WA Police with land rescues and searches, and works with firefighters during major bushfires,” he said.
“On behalf of all West Australians I commend SES volunteers for continuing to volunteer their time and putting the needs of others before their own.” Today the skills of the SES will be on show in an abseil challenge that will be held on the face of the 100 metre high enex100 building on St Georges Terrace in the Perth CBD.
WOW Day is one of the many events held during SES Week from 11 to 17 November, where emergency services volunteers are recognised and thanked for their contribution and commitment.
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/SESWeek or www.wearorangewednesday.com.au.
SESVA President Gordon Hall said” Many of the highly trained West Australian SES emergency responders, all Volunteers, will join SES Volunteers throughout Australia in wearing orange to work today to show who they are and what else they do for their community”. Gordon also said “Many other community members will be wearing ribbons as a mark of respect and acknowledgement of the many sacrifices SES Volunteers make in assisting their communities in responding to many emergencies and aA number of local governments are flying the SES flag today as recognition for the tireless hours, hard work and truly altruistic approach the SES Volunteers have within their communities”.
