FES Commissioner Gregson is very supportive of Wear Orange Wednesday and below is the text of a letter from him.
WOW DAY – 11 MAY 2016
Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) is an opportunity for the community to recognise the hard work and dedication of State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers throughout Australia. From this year, WOW Day will be held Australia-wide in May to coincide with National Volunteer Week (11 to 17 May 2016).
This offers a fantastic opportunity to increase awareness about the vital role of SES in the community and complement the annual WinterSafe campaign as we enter into the high risk storm season. In support of WOW Day, DFES will be hosting a simulated search involving canines, the mounted section, all-terrain utilities (ATUs) and a tyrolean (zipline) rescue on the beautiful grounds of Murdoch University. Media will be invited to watch and participate in this exercise, which will showcase the vast skills and competencies used by SES volunteers through a real-time search and rescue operation. In a display of appreciation for SES volunteers, iconic locations around the State, including Elizabeth Quay, will be lit up in a brilliant orange.
You are invited to spread the word about WOW day to your family, friends and colleagues, and ask them to show their support by wearing orange on 11 May.
Above all, please enjoy the day. You make an incredible contribution to helping keep Western Australian communities stay safe and this is worthy of recognition and celebration.
Signed
WAYNE GREGSON APM
COMMISSIONER
SESVA President Gordon Hall says it’s time to nominate your volunteers for this year “SES Awards” as nominations are Now Open and it’s time to act. Gordon said as “we know SES volunteers play an integral part in the safety of our communities and these awards help recognise outstanding SES volunteers, either individually or as a team, who have gone above and beyond what is expected of them”.
I encourage Units to nominate their SES volunteers for these prestigious Awards.
The awards are in the following categories:
- Peter Keillor Award – Recognising a volunteer who has gone beyond the call of duty in demonstrating a high level of commitment to the SES.
- Team Achievement Award – Recognising a unit or team that has initiated a new idea, worked collectively to achieve outstanding results in a particular area, or undertaken a community awareness project
- Youth Achievement Award – Recognising a volunteer 25 years or younger who has made an outstanding contribution to the SES.
All nominees must be active, operational members of their SES unit.
Download the nomination form at: http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/newsandmedia/awards/Documents/DFES_Awards-2016…
Nominations close Wednesday the 4th of May 2016