Western Australia will be bathed in orange this Wednesday as the community comes together to honor the dedicated volunteers of the State Emergency Services (SES). Wear Orange Wednesday, known as WOW Day, takes place on May 20 and serves as a tribute to the unpaid men and women who keep the public safe, easily recognized by their iconic orange overalls.
Buildings and Landmarks to Glow Orange
Numerous buildings and displays across the state will illuminate in orange to show support. Key landmarks in Perth include the Matagarup Bridge, Yagan Square, Elizabeth Quay, The Bell Tower, Fremantle Prison, and RAC Arena. Regional areas are also joining in, with the Margaret River main street, Broome water tower, and the Waroona cow statue all set to be dressed in orange.
More than 2,000 West Australians volunteer with the SES, providing critical on-the-ground assistance during emergencies such as floods, cyclones, and earthquakes. They also collaborate with other emergency services, including police and fire departments, in search and rescue operations and other urgent situations.
Profile of a Dedicated Volunteer
Cockburn volunteer Darryl Beer has given over 36 years to the SES, serving as a rescue team leader and training coordinator. He explains the diverse range of tasks SES volunteers handle, from general rescue and recovery during natural disasters and road accidents to urban search and rescue, traffic management, and even helping residents clear gutters after storms.
"I started in rescue, which is where most people start to get a feel for how things work. Then I worked in the operational and communications section, coordinating the training program so members had relevant goals each week," Beer said. "When storms come and we get many requests for assistance, I help manage the response and train duty officers because someone is always on call. I am also an air observer, searching for lost vessels at sea."
Beer emphasized that these experiences are not typical in everyday life. "I get to help the community and gain exposure to many other skills. I have learned a lot managing stressful incidents."
The hours SES personnel commit can vary greatly depending on circumstances. "We do weekly training, usually a couple of hours, and during fires, we assist with fireground support or crew changes. During storms, we might spend an hour, several hours, or even days helping with leaky roofs or cyclone responses, like the recent Cyclone Narelle," Beer said.
Family Tradition of Service
Beer's family is deeply involved in the SES. His father joined in the 1980s and inspired all his sons to follow suit. Beer cites the challenge and the opportunity to give back as reasons for his long service. "Being able to help people, even with a temporary fix until a permanent solution arrives, is rewarding. Working with like-minded people and building relationships is also key. It is not unusual to be on a roof at two in the morning in pouring rain, sharing a laugh with your team to keep going."
WOW Day's Importance Ahead of Winter
WOW Day is crucial for reminding West Australians of the vital work done by SES crews, especially before winter, which Beer notes is their busiest period. "Some people still think we are paid, but the SES is voluntary. If someone is wearing orange overalls, they are volunteers. This day is about recognizing our efforts and hopefully inspiring others to join, as most units can always use more members."
Those interested can visit the DFES website and navigate to the volunteering page or contact their local unit. The public is encouraged to wear a splash of orange this Wednesday as a gesture of support.
WOW Day coincides with Australia's National Volunteer Week, running from May 18 to May 24, which highlights the importance of volunteering and acknowledges those who donate their time.
