11 May 2016 is National Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day).
On WOW Day people across Australia will be wearing orange as a way to say thanks to our dedicated SES volunteers who help their communities prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Show your support for the SES by wearing orange today, Wednesday 11 May.
In Western Australia, a search and rescue demonstration will be held at Murdoch University. The simulated search will involve the mounted section, all-terrain utilities (ATUs) and a tyrolean (zipline), showcasing the vast skills and competencies of SES volunteers.
To show appreciation for SES volunteers, iconic locations around Australia will be lit up in a brilliant orange. In WA, these will include Elizabeth Quay, the Bell Tower and Perth Concert Hall.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The SES responded to over 630 incidents in 2015. This included responding to storm and flood damage, land searches, vertical rescues and road crash rescues.
- The SES also contribute significantly to firefighting efforts during major bushfires, with the SES providing essential logistical, management and other support. This included during the Esperance bushfires in November 2015 and the Waroona/Harvey bushfires in January 2016.
- Over the past couple of months the SES have been busy with several significant searches, including for two missing men east of Laverton, and a land and air search for a missing man in Quairading. All three men were found safe and well.
- This year SES volunteers responded to Tropical Cyclone Stan which hit the Kimberley and Pilbara in late January. The volunteers spent hours of their time preparing for the cyclone and responding to cyclone related floods in the Pilbara, where 11 people were rescued.
- Throughout the year SES volunteers actively promote safety, education, prevention and preparation for emergencies during visits to service groups, senior centres, homes, local business and schools.
- SES volunteers receive nationally accredited training to respond to real emergencies at a moment’s notice. As well as learning new skills, volunteers work closely with community organisations. Roles available in the SES range from front line responders to communications and logistics officers and more.
2016 WOW DAY VIDEO (below)