Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day)

The ACT State Emergency Services (SES) has more than 400 volunteers across the ACT. Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) is a National Day of Appreciation for volunteers of the State Emergency Service.

It’s an opportunity to say thank you and recognise the incredible work that is undertaken by SES volunteers around the country, by wearing orange to work.

2026 Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2026

WOW day coincides with National Volunteer Week – a week that recognises the contribution of volunteers from all walks of life.

Key messages:

• The work undertaken by volunteers across the ACT Emergency Services Agency is invaluable to keeping the Canberra community safe.
• There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities available across the organisation.
• There are many benefits to volunteering including the ability to give back to the community, training and skills development, and lifelong friends.

How to get involved:

• Wear orange: Add a splash of orange to your outfit.
• Social media: Post photos wearing orange with the hashtags #ThankYouSES and #WOWDay.
• Events: Host or attend morning teas or local community events with an orange theme.