Wear Orange Wednesday

Each year, we celebrate Wear Orange Wednesday, a national day of thanks to the thousands of SES volunteers who serve their communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week through storms, floods, road crash rescues, and so much more.

On this page:

About WOW Day

WOW Day (21 May, 2025) is the national day of recognition to say ‘thank you’ to SES volunteers. It is the most proactive day in the VICSES calendar held in the middle of National Volunteer Week (19 - 25 May, 2025).

2024

Link to the 2024 WOW Day Media Launch on Sunday 19 May, 2024.

Volunteers are the backbone of our service, responding to over 33,000 requests for assistance in the last 12 months.

There is nothing purer than the heart of a volunteer. They are the heart of every rescue, the inspiration in every training course, and the soul of all things VICSES.

“Our roof tiles were covered in holes and the rain was rushing into nearly every room. We are living as a family of 6, including my mum and dad in their 70’s, as well as my kids and husband.

The VICSES volunteers who arrived at our home were calm, approachable, friendly, and knowledgeable - which is exactly what we needed at the time. My family certainly feels blessed to be Victorian. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you did.”

Kate Campbell, East Malvern resident affected by major storm damage

Get involved in WOW Day

Celebrating WOW Day

Each year on WOW Day, Victorians are encouraged to get their workplaces, families, and friends involved in WOW Day celebrations:

Wear orange on Wednesday 21st of May!
Donate to your local volunteers now - visit ses.vic.gov.au/donate
Post a photo or video to social media to say thank you using the hashtag #ThankYouSES.
Host an orange themed morning tea or encourage your local school or child-care centre to do so.
Put up posters in your workplace to celebrate our volunteers.
Download an SES colouring sheet for the classroom at your local school or kinder.
Get prepared for the risk of storm and flood so you're less likely to need us.

Thank you SES Volunteers colouring sheet — **Download a colouring sheet**

AAMI's WOW Day Support

AAMI: Supporting WOW Day 2024

AAMI has been a proud Community Partner of VICSES since 2002 to support the incredible work of our VICSES volunteers.

2024 again sees AAMI funding our Wear Orange Wednesday banners and signs across metro Melbourne and regional Victoria.

AAMI have also produced prominent digital billboards in key locations thanking our volunteers.

Our partnership with AAMI allows the public to acknowledge the work our volunteers do for their respective communities.

Getting ready with VICSES and AAMI to Wear Orange Wednesday on 22 May 2024!