Wear it Orange Wednesday — or WOW Day — is a day to celebrate the people who give their time to protect our community.

Deputy Mayor Paul Le Mottee said the contribution of SES volunteers was well-respected by the Port Stephens community.

“We’ve had more than our fair share of natural disasters in our region over the past few years, most recently the intense rain event we had in March.

“The SES and their amazing volunteers have helped our community throughout some of our greatest challenges.

“Fires, floods and storms have devastated many homes and families in Port Stephens and the SES are there every time to protect our homes and get us home safely to our loved ones,” Deputy Mayor Le Mottee said.

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM said SES volunteers do so much more than helping during storms.

“Volunteers are the vital connecting thread that binds the community,” she said.

“While our service's primary focus is to protect local communities from storms, floods, and tsunamis, our volunteers also make invaluable contributions by supporting other emergency services agencies in road crash rescues, vertical rescues, and even as first responders.”

Deputy Mayor Le Mottee reflected on SES’ contribution to recent events.

“This National Volunteers Week, I’m reflecting on everything we’ve been through as a community over the past 18 months — including fires, floods and a pandemic.

“It’s more important than ever to recognise the role all volunteers play to make our communities strong and resilient.

“I want to thank the NSW SES for their incredible work and dedication to keeping the Port Stephens community safe — and I encourage everyone to wear orange to show their support,” Deputy Mayor Le Mottee said.

NSW SES Superintendent Allan Budziarski of the Hunter and Central Coast Command also recognised the value of the relationship with Council.

“Our work in the Port Stephens community during the March event highlighted the strength of our partnership with Port Stephens Council,” he said.

Share your video or photo of thanks during May, and use the hashtag #thankyouSES

For more information about volunteering with the NSW SES, visit

ses.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/volunteer/unit-volunteers/

It’s easy to become a Port Stephens Council volunteer. Find out how to get involved: volunteers