The SES is encouraging the Tasmanian community to join in the celebrations for Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) on Wednesday 19 May.

Wearing a lot or just a splash of orange for the annual national event is a
simple way to show support for SES volunteers, which is also held in National Volunteers Week this week.

“Across the State there are more than 600 volunteers who give up their own
time to train and respond to storms, floods, road crash rescue and search
and rescue,” SES Tasmania Director Andrew Lea said.

“They are integral to our emergency preparedness and response. They
respond to incidents at all hours of the day and night, sometimes missing
important family occasions in order to provide assistance.”

Within the last year dedicated Tasmanian SES volunteers have spent in
excess of 10,700 hours responding to a range of natural disasters and
incidents, helping to keep the community safe.

SES volunteers also commit to many hours of training, maintaining their skills and ensuring they are as prepared as possible for when an emergency
occurs.

This year’s WOW Day will see Tasmanian locations at Wrest Point Casino
Tower, Sandy Bay, Paranaple Centre, Devonport, Burnie Council Building,
Burnie, Huon Valley Hub, Huonville, Leven River Bridge, Ulverstone, SES North West Regional Headquarters, Burnie, TasRail Train, and SES State
Headquarters, Hobart will be donned in orange for the occasion.

SES volunteers will also abseil down the Wrest Point Casino Tower on
Wednesday.

Wrest Point General Manager Andrew Fox said the important work
performed by SES volunteers deserved year-long recognition.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of the community, and there are none more
important in the state than the amazing Tasmanians who give their time to
help others in their own times of need,” Mr Fox said.

“By lighting Wrest Point orange this week, we’re giving our thanks to
Tasmania’s SES heroes, aiming to raise awareness in the community about
the vital work they do year-round.”

Tasmanians are encouraged to wear something orange, hold a morning or
afternoon tea, or simply take a minute to show your appreciation for our SES volunteers.
For more information about WOW Day, visit www.wowday.com.au/tas

Media please note:
SES volunteers will abseil down the Wrest Point Casino Tower on WOW Day
Wednesday 19 May at 11am. Media are asked to meet at 10.30am at the
top level of the casino multi-storey car park.