Do you have an orange outfit in your wardrobe and are wondering if you will ever get to wear it?

Good news! This Wednesday, May 22 is the perfect time, and doubles as a way to support our amazing SES volunteers as well.

Residents of NSW are encouraged to wear something orange this upcoming Wednesday, as a way to show appreciation for their local NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers. This is known as Wear Orange Wednesday or 'WOW Day'.

It goes without saying that SES volunteers are an invaluable part of our community.

These special people are always there when emergency situation arises and in the Western Plains, there have been plenty of these situations in the last few years - flood and fire to name a few.

Volunteers can be faced with many different circumstances, some that are not easy to train for.

Only last week, four SES volunteers from the Gilgandra Unit had a busy day helping rescue a calf fallen down a disused well.

Working with rescue colleagues from the Narromine VRA Rescue Squad, the goal was achieved with cow and calf being reunited. A great outcome and just one of many SES successes for our local volunteers.

WOW Day is a way to thank all these local people and all the others across Australia who generously give their time to help communities.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler is also supporting the initiative.

"It is a day to wear orange in support of our amazing NSW SES volunteers," Mr Butler said.

SES Commissioner Carlene York IMAGE: ABC

Last week he was in parliament with SES staff and volunteers including the SES Commissioner, Carlene York.

"I have known and worked with Carlene for over a decade," Mr Butler said. "Carlene is stepping down soon, so I have to say thanks.

"If you can, wear your best orange outfit to show appreciation for the tireless work the SES do in emergency and rescue services and their dedication to the communities they serve."

"In remote communities, these guys are often trained as first responders and are tasked with supporting our emergency services. From team Barwon, we thank all our amazing SES volunteers."

The NSW Government have also sent a thank you to dedicated volunteers from all sectors of the community and throughout Australia who tirelessly dedicate themselves year-round to safeguard us during our most vulnerable moments.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your efforts in saving lives and protecting communities," they said.

On a bigger stage, National Volunteer Week 2024 runs from next Monday 20 May to Sunday 26 May and is the largest annual celebration of Volunteering in Australia. WOW Day is an integral part of this.

National Volunteer Week serves as an annual celebration, recognising and honouring the invaluable contributions of our nation's volunteers. This year's theme is 'Something for Everyone.'

In 2024, National Volunteer Week aims to celebrate the diverse passions and talents that individuals contribute to the act of volunteering.

Wednesday's special occasion will also shine a spotlight on our exceptional SES volunteers. If you can't wear orange, maybe just say a quiet thank you to a local volunteer - it will mean a lot.