November 12, 2012
Police and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey today urged Queenslanders to “go orange” on Wednesday in support of the State Emergency Service.
“Wear Orange to Work Wednesday” (November 14) is part of the annual National SES Week celebrations and an opportunity for Queenslanders to recognise the dedication and commitment of SES volunteers.
Also part of SES Week is the “Truck Load Of Thanks” tour which is moving through the South Burnett this week.
Every morning between 7:30am and 9:30am, the SES will be holding a free community sausage sizzle in a different town.
CROW-FM 90.7 will also be broadcasting live from each site each day.
Today it was Murgon’s turn; tomorrow they’ll be in Wondai, on Wednesday in Kingaroy, Thursday in Nanango and Friday in Blackbutt.
You can find out more about each day’s pitstop on our Daily Calendar.
“This is a great time for Queenslanders to thank our SES volunteers for their continued dedication to keeping our community safe,” Mr Dempsey said.
“SES volunteers give all year round and are always there to help at a moment’s notice, without pay, and solely for the good of the community.
“SES volunteers contributed more than 60,000 hours last financial year to helping fellow Queenslanders in need.
“Whether it’s searching for a missing bushwalker, rescuing someone stranded on the side of a cliff, or assisting at a road accident, SES volunteers are always there.
“Last year, 520 volunteers from 53 groups dedicated 12,792 man hours to the forensic search for Daniel Morcombe’s remains. This turned out to be the longest running search carried out in Australia.
“Their dedication is nothing short of exceptional and I encourage all Queenslanders to make something orange part of their outfit when getting dressed for work on Wednesday.”
Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) Assistant Director-General Bruce Grady said by wearing something orange to work, the public would be supporting around 5400 SES volunteers across Queensland.
“It’s also a wonderful chance for our volunteers to wear their Queensland SES uniforms to work to share their experience of serving the community with their colleagues,” Mr Grady said.
“At some time in their life most of the population will require the SES and some may even owe their lives to the actions of SES volunteers.
“SES volunteers do not often ask for recognition, but by seeing their fellow Queenslanders wear something orange on Wednesday, they will know that we appreciate what they do and the time, energy and sleep they sacrifice to keep us safe.
“Wednesday is our turn to be there for them.”
Mr Grady also urged people to show their appreciation by thanking the SES on their Facebook page
[Photos: Peter Verbakel]
