Local SES members are today being celebrated as part of Wear Orange Wednesday, a national event which encourages communities to thank all volunteers who generously give their time to help during flood and storm emergencies.
SES volunteers make a vital contribution to the substantial emergency response in Queensland year after year.
Bundaberg SES Unit controller Kieran Galey said the past few months had been especially busy for his crew, who were involved in many weather-related events in the region and beyond.
“The past few months have been floods, floods and more floods,” he said.
“In Bundaberg itself we have had quite a few weather jobs but we have also been deploying crews to Gympie and Maryborough as well, in response for assistance with clean up and recovery.”
Kieran said today, crews would be making themselves available to the community to celebrate WOW Day and promote the role of the SES.
“At the moment we have crews in Childers who have set up a display on the Bruce Highway for people to stop by and have a chat,” he said.
“We are hoping to encourage people to gather some information that will assist them in getting ready for storm season and they can also discuss what it takes to become a volunteer if they are interested in joining.”
WOW Day celebrates SES nationwide
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach said volunteers from the State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue Service played an integral role in supporting Queenslanders during times of need.
“Our volunteers have laced up their boots and spent the past week out in force, as parts of the state were once again hit with severe weather,” Mr Leach said.
“They have been absolutely incredible, working around the clock to respond to hundreds of requests for assistance, evacuate residents and assist with flood clean-up.
“National Volunteer Week, which includes Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), is an opportunity for everyone to thank every volunteer for their dedication and commitment to supporting local communities.
“It is a particularly important week for QFES, which has approximately 35,000 volunteers across the RFS, SES and FRS.”
Mr Leach said volunteering was incredibly rewarding and encouraged more people to get involved.
“Our volunteers make a vital contribution to emergency response in this state,” he said.
“If you have been thinking about volunteering with QFES, I encourage you to take up the opportunity to gain new skills and make lifelong friends.”
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