Western Australia will be awash with orange this Wednesday as the state celebrates Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) to honour the tireless efforts of State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers. The annual event, falling on May 20 this year, encourages residents and landmarks alike to don the colour synonymous with the iconic overalls worn by these selfless individuals.
Landmarks Light Up Orange
Across Perth and regional WA, numerous buildings and displays will glow orange in a show of solidarity. Among the illuminated sites are the Matagarup Bridge, Yagan Square, Elizabeth Quay, The Bell Tower, Fremantle Prison, and RAC Arena. Regional landmarks such as the Margaret River main street, Broome water tower, and the Waroona cow statue will also be dressed in orange, demonstrating widespread support.
The Vital Role of SES Volunteers
More than 2,000 West Australians volunteer with the SES, providing crucial on-the-ground support during emergencies including floods, cyclones, and earthquakes. They also assist police and fire departments in search and rescue operations and other critical situations. These volunteers are the backbone of community safety, often working unpaid and sacrificing their time to help others.
A Volunteer's Story: Darryl Beer
Cockburn volunteer Darryl Beer has dedicated over 36 years to the SES, serving as a rescue team leader and training coordinator. His journey began in rescue, where most members start, before moving into operations and communications to develop training programs. He also works as an air observer, conducting aerial searches for lost vessels at sea.
“These aren’t things I would normally get to do in my day-to-day life. I get to help the community and get exposure to all these other skills, and I’ve learned heaps in my time managing stressful incidents,” Mr Beer said. He noted that the weekly commitment varies, from a couple of hours for training to several days during major storms or cyclones, such as the recent Cyclone Narelle.
Beer’s family has a long history with the SES; his father joined in the 1980s, inspiring all his sons to follow suit. “Being able to go out there and help people, even with a temporary or partial fix until they can get somebody to come out to do something more permanent,” he said, explaining his enduring motivation. He also cherishes the camaraderie: “It’s not unusual to be up on a roof at two o’clock in the morning in pouring rain, just having a laugh with the people on your team because that’s what you’ve got to do to keep going.”
WOW Day and National Volunteer Week
WOW Day aligns with Australia’s National Volunteer Week, running from May 18 to May 24, which highlights the importance of volunteering and acknowledges those who give their time. Mr Beer stressed that many people mistakenly believe SES volunteers are paid, when in fact they are entirely voluntary. “It’s just about recognising that we’re out there to do the best we can, and try to hopefully inspire people to join up because most units could always do with additional members,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to wear a splash of orange this Wednesday to show support. For more information on volunteering, visit the DFES website’s volunteering page or contact your local unit.
