Wear Orange Wednesday shines a spotlight on VICSES volunteers
The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is encouraging all Victorians to wear orange on Wednesday 20 May in recognition of Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), a day of appreciation for SES volunteers held annually during National Volunteer Week.
WOW Day recognises the extraordinary contribution VICSES volunteers make to communities across the state, supporting people during storms, floods, rescues and other emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
WOW Day also provides an opportunity to recognise the highly trained volunteers behind the orange uniforms who dedicate their time, skills and energy to helping keep communities safe. From flood and storm response to road crash rescue and search operations, VICSES volunteers undertake nationally accredited training to ensure they have the capability to respond when communities need them most.
VICSES volunteers are among the state’s most relied upon emergency responders, working alongside Victoria Police, CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria and Ambulance Victoria every single day.
In the past 12 months alone, VICSES volunteers have responded to more than 33,000 requests for assistance across the state, including:
- Approximately 17,000 downed tree incidents
- About 7,000 flood and building damage callouts
- Almost 2,300 road crash rescues
- Almost 600 technical rescues
- And about 3,500 incidents supporting partner agencies.
This demand highlights the increasing reliance on VICSES volunteers and the critical role they play in keeping Victorian communities safe.
As part of WOW Day, VICSES is also recognising volunteers who contribute beyond emergency response, including those who strengthen capability through training and development.
Recipient of the VICSES 2026 Excellence in Learning & Development Award, George Haitidis, formally received his award at this years’ WOW Day launch, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to improving training outcomes across VICSES.
George was recognised for his leadership in planning and delivering a large-scale boating skills maintenance exercise on the Maribyrnong River, helping strengthen operational capability, inter-agency cooperation and volunteer preparedness.
The exercise provided valuable hands-on training opportunities for VICSES members, enhancing practical rescue skills, operational readiness and teamwork in realistic water-based emergency scenarios.
George also demonstrated exceptional safety leadership throughout the planning and execution of the activity, ensuring a strong focus on safe training and skills maintenance practices within VICSES.
National Volunteer Week commences on Monday 18 May, with WOW Day held in the middle of the week to recognise and thank VICSES volunteers for the incredible contribution they make to communities each and every day.
Victorians can show their support this WOW Day by:
- Wearing a splash of orange on Wednesday 20 May;
- Sharing a thank you message on social media using #ThankYouSES;
- Hosting an orange-themed morning tea or casual dress day; and
- Learning more about volunteering with VICSES
VICSES is always looking for new volunteers, with flexible and inclusive opportunities available for people from all walks of life. For more information about volunteering with VICSES, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.
Quotes attributable to VICSES Chief Officer Operations, Alistair Drayton
“National Volunteer Week and WOW Day give us 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.
“Behind every orange uniform is someone who has chosen to serve their community, often balancing volunteering alongside work, family and other commitments.
“WOW Day gives us a chance to pause and say a heartfelt thank you for their commitment, courage, dedication, and service to the community.”
Quote attributable to AAMI, Executive General Manager Brand and Customer Experience, Mim Haysom
“Our partnership with VICSES is built on a shared commitment to stronger, safer and more resilient communities.
“We are proud to support Wear Orange Wednesday and to celebrate the vital role of volunteers across the state who take time out of their everyday lives to respond in storms and floods to help a community member in need.”
