RESIDENTS throughout the Upper Hunter are being encouraged to wear orange this week to show their gratitude to the hard-working NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers.
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These people selflessly give up their time to keep communities safe and respond in times of natural disaster.
On May 22, everyone can show their support, too, by taking part in WOW (Wear Orange Wednesday).
NSW SES volunteers are on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week looking after nearly eight million people state-wide.
They're the lifeblood of communities across NSW and, last year, responded to more than 35,000 requests for assistance.
NSW SES Commissioner Kyle Stewart said wearing orange was an opportunity to acknowledge the hard-working volunteers.
"This is just a small way local communities can show their appreciation for these amazing everyday people who put on their orange overalls to help people during the difficult times," he explained.
"It's also a time to acknowledge those who support our volunteers - their families, friends and employers - to help communities in need."
With the help of NRMA Insurance, NSW SES will be urging local communities, schools, businesses, buildings and landmarks to go orange to thank SES volunteers across NSW.
NRMA Insurance executive manager, safer communities Jen Cobley said NSW SES volunteers were invaluable in helping NSW communities.
"We encourage you to wear orange this Wednesday to show your support for SES volunteers who brave wild weather, rough terrain and all kinds of emergency situations to keep our community safe," she added.
There are about 9500 NSW SES volunteers.
They come from all walks of life, with many different skills, interests and backgrounds.
Read more about volunteering at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/volunteer/
But, on Wednesday, May 22, put on a splash of orange, take a photo and post with #thankyouses
For information and inspiration, visit www.wearorangewednesday.com.au