It’s been a busy 12 months for Nowra SES volunteers who’ve responded to more than 550 tasks helping the community during storms, floods and other emergencies.

Often referred to as the “Orange Angels”  the NSW SES will celebrating Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) on May 10 to recognise the 40,000 SES volunteers across Australia who are always helping their communities in times of need.

NSW SES Nowra Unit Controller Mark Kielly said WOW Day was a fun and creative way for people to show their support for local volunteers.

“This day of recognition is timely given the contribution many of our volunteers have recently made in the wake of the devastating floods in northern NSW as well as other emergencies that have affected the local community,” Mr Kielly said.

“There will be activities happening locally to mark this occasion, including a display at NRMA Nowra and Bunnings on Thursday evening.

“ If you can’t make it to a WOW Day event, you can still show your support by wearing something orange and taking a ‘selfie’ with #thankyouSES.

NRMA Insurance partnerships and programs manager Jen Cobley, said it was important to recognise the hard work NSW SES volunteers do for the community.

“Through our partnership with the NSW SES, we have seen first-hand the vital role volunteers play in helping communities prepare for and recover from severe weather,” she said.

“WOW Day is about celebrating the volunteers who put the community ahead of themselves, and we would encourage everyone to wear something orange and snap a selfie in support of the NSW SES.”

The NSW SES has around 9000 volunteers across the state who come from all walks of life.

Volunteers range in age from 16 up to 80 and are involved in activities as diverse as flood rescue, tarping roofs, clearing fallen trees, community education, logistics and planning, communications, and much more.

Find out how to get involved in this year’s WOW Day: www.wearorangewednesday.com.au