Victorians are wearing orange today to show their support for the dedicated women and men who volunteer with the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES).
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino said Wear Orange Wednesday was the perfect opportunity to say thank you to the VICSES volunteer members, who selflessly don their orange overalls and respond to emergencies such as floods, storms and road rescues.
Major Melbourne landmarks such as the MCG, Bolte Bridge, AAMI Park and the Melbourne Star are being lit orange to mark the occasion, with events scheduled across the state.
VICSES volunteers responded to more than 31,000 requests for assistance last year, amounting to a total of 302,623 operational hours.
VICSES has been operating since 1950, with 149 units located across six regions.
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to providing VICSES volunteers with the facilities, equipment and training they need to continue keeping communities safe.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 provided $7.8 million for VICSES, with Cobram SES and Wonthaggi SES receiving funding for new unit headquarters, and Essendon SES receiving $1.2 million for a major upgrade to its headquarters.
The Budget also funds a $10 million state-wide volunteer support package, providing training and development grants for volunteers in the state’s emergency-service organisations.
Wear Orange Wednesday is being held during National Volunteer Week.
To share a message of thanks with VICSES volunteers on Facebook or Twitter, use the hashtags #thankyouSES and #WOWday.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“VICSES volunteers are here to serve the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
“Wear Orange Wednesday is the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for their efforts, by wearing something orange and sending a message of support on social media.”
“Thanks to the thousands of people who donate their time with their local VICSES unit, Victoria is a much safer place.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020