Show your support to SES volunteers this Wear Orange Wednesday

19/05/2025, 4:08 AM
VICSES Chelsea Unit volunteers Alex Cunningham and Tammy Myrtle reflect on their volunteering experience, as they encouraged Australians to add a splash of orange to their outfit this Wednesday in recognition of SES volunteers across the country.

The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is encouraging all Victorians to show their appreciation for SES volunteers by wearing orange this Wednesday, 21 May, in recognition of Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), a national day of thanks held during National Volunteer Week.

WOW Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our more than 5,000 SES volunteers in Victoria who selflessly serve their communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This year’s WOW Day holds added meaning as VICSES celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of dedicated volunteer service to the people of Victoria.

Since 1975, VICSES volunteers have been there in times of crisis — responding to a host of incidents including floods, storms, road crashes, and search and rescue operations. Since 1975, the service has grown to include more than 5,000 volunteers and 350 staff operating from 154 local units and 16 regional and metropolitan offices across the state.

In the 12 months from May 2024 to May 2025, VICSES volunteers have received more than 35,300 requests for assistance (RFAs), reflecting the increasing demand for emergency services across Victoria. This included:

  • Over 18,500 RFAs for fallen trees and debris.
  • Over 8,000 RFAs relating to flooding and structural damage.
  • Over 2,200 Road Crash Rescues.
  • Almost 600 technical rescues, including high-angle and confined space incidents.
  • Nearly 3,000 Assist Other Agency jobs, supporting Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and our other emergency partners with search and rescue, scene lighting, and evidence searches.
Motorcyclist Jess Leach, pictured with VICSES Acting Chief Officer Operations Alistair Drayton and VICSES Chelsea Unit volunteer Phil Wall, paid tribute to the volunteers in orange who rendered assistance, directed traffic and alerted paramedics after she was ejected from her bike in a late-night crash with another driver last November.

That dedication was on full display recently when VICSES volunteers Tammy, Alex and Tim from the VICSES Chelsea unit came across a serious road incident while returning from a late-night, assist Victoria Police job.

The trio had just collected a lighting trailer in Pakenham following a major collision response earlier in the day. Nearing 11:30pm, they spotted a damaged motorbike lying on the road. Without hesitation, the volunteers leapt into action — blocking traffic, alerting other emergency services, and rendering aid to the injured rider until paramedics arrived.

The young woman was soon transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and when the volunteers finally returned to their unit, it was well past midnight, a testament to the unpredictable nature of emergency volunteering, and the professional, capable response of the SES members in action.

VICSES volunteers have also supported interstate and intrastate deployments, including recent operations in Queensland (ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred) and in hard-hit Victorian communities following severe weather events. Our busiest units over the past 12-months include:

  • VICSES Emerald Unit – 1,348 RFAs
  • VICSES Frankston Unit – 1,088 RFAs
  • VICSES Whitehorse Unit – 848 RFAs
  • VICSES Warragul Unit – 832 RFAs

VICSES volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of skills and experiences to their roles. Their commitment to protecting lives and property during floods, storms, road crash rescues, and search operations underpins the strength and resilience of communities across Victoria.

How Victorians can show support this WOW Day:

  • Wear a splash of orange on Wednesday 21 May
  • Post a thank you message or photo on social media using the hashtag #ThankYouSES
  • Host an orange-themed morning tea or casual dress day at your workplace or school
  • Display posters or banners from the VICSES website
  • The best way you can support our volunteers is by joining the service and being a part of what our volunteers do best, keeping their communities safe. VICSES is always on the lookout for new volunteers with a diversity of roles available for likeminded community members from all walks of life.

Consider volunteering, there are many ways to get involved, with flexible and inclusive opportunities available for people from all walks of life. For more info, visit, www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us

Quotes attributable to VICSES Acting Chief Officer Operations, Alistair Drayton:

“WOW Day is a moment to reflect on the exceptional efforts of our volunteers who respond in times of need, often during the worst days of people’s lives. On behalf of the organisation and the communities we serve, thank you to each and every one of our volunteers for your commitment, courage, and community spirit.

“With over 35,000 calls for assistance in the past year alone, it’s clear our volunteers are more vital than ever. WOW Day gives us a chance to pause and say a heartfelt thank you.”

Quotes attributable to VICSES CEO, Rob Purcell:

“This WOW Day is particularly special, as we mark 50 years of unwavering service to Victorian communities. It’s a moment to honour not just what our volunteers do, but who they are: resilient, skilled, and deeply committed.

“Behind every orange uniform is a volunteer who has chosen to give their time, skills, and care to someone they may never have met. That’s the spirit of SES, selfless dedicated service, day or night, rain, hail or shine.”

Suncorp Chief Executive Consumer Insurance, Lisa Harrison, highlighted the importance of Wear Orange Wednesday in celebrating the work of SES volunteers.  

“As one of Australia’s largest insurers, we know the importance of being there for our customers, especially when natural disasters strike.   

“Like our AAMI teams, our SES partners and volunteers are there in the moments that matter, helping communities prepare and get back on their feet after a crisis.