Zoe Moffatt
Sunbury celebrated its State Emergency Service (SES) unit on May 17, for the national day of thanks to Australian volunteers.
Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW) is celebrated annually during national volunteer week, to thank and acknowledge the invaluable contributions and commitments SES volunteers make.
During the last 12 months Hume SES volunteers have responded to 6343 requests for assistance, with VICSES volunteers responding to more than 35,000 requests throughout Victoria.
VICSES chief executive Stephen Griffin said he admires the efforts of all VICSES volunteers, and encourages the public to thank their local SES volunteers.
“I continue to admire the remarkable and relentless efforts of our VICSES volunteers and thank you for your time and dedication,” Mr Griffin said.
“Many of you go over and beyond and it is truly inspiring … Whether it’s a one in one-hundred year flood event, or deployment to another part of the country to help local communities.
“[WOW] is an opportunity for the public to say thank you, to all the volunteers who sacrifice their time… to help the community rain, hail or shine.”
VICSES has seen three of its busiest years in history, following three consecutive years of La Nina, which brought severe storms and major flooding.
During major flooding throughout the state last year, VICSES volunteers responded to 13,700 requests for assistance in October, which is its busiest calendar month on record.
VICSES volunteers also respond to an average of 900 to 1000 jobs assisting police each year, and more than 1300 road crash rescues on average each year.
In celebration on WOW day Victorian landmarks including; Melbourne Town Hall and AAMI Park were flooded in orange.
The public is encouraged to show their support through sharing messages of thanks to SES volunteers on Facebook or Twitter, using the hashtag #ThankYouSES.
Details: bit.ly/3Ms7wlI
