NSW State Emergency Service Narrabri Unit Commander Prim Charles on Wear Orange Wednesday this week – WOW Day – celebrated the power of volunteering and the difference it makes in local communities.

Prim joined the NSW SES at just 19 years of age, motivated by a desire to connect with others and give back.

“I initially joined the NSW SES as a way to help my community in their times of need,” Prim said.

Now leading the NSW SES Narrabri Unit, Prim plays an important role in supporting her volunteers and ensuring the unit is prepared to respond whenever the community calls.

“As the Unit Commander, I make sure the unit is prepared for any flood and storm incidents we may respond to,” she said.

“It’s about working together and being ready to help when people need us most.”

For Prim, the heart of volunteering lies in the friendships formed and the shared purpose that brings members together.

“The social aspect and being able to help those when they need it most is what makes volunteering for the NSW SES so special,” she said.

As WOW Day recognises the dedication of SES volunteers across the nation, Prim is encouraging others, to take the step and get involved.

“It is an amazing opportunity to be doing more and to help not only your community, but others as well. You make great friends and memories along the way.

“Never be afraid to try. You will be amazed by what you could achieve,” she said.

Prim Charles (centre) joined the NSW SES at just 19 years of age, motivated by a desire to connect with others and give back.

WOW Day calls communities to recognise the dedication of more than 11,000 NSW SES volunteers who respond to floods, storms and other emergencies by wearing orange, with this year’s celebrations focused on the growing youth presence within the Service.

NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing said WOW Day is an important opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and sacrifice of volunteers across the state, particularly younger members.

“Our members take time away from their families, their workplaces and their livelihoods to protect others. WOW Day is a chance to say thank you and to remind them that their work does not go unnoticed,” Commissioner Wassing said.

“There’s obviously a strong appetite among young people to serve their communities and I commend them for their selflessness and dedication.”

“By investing in young people, we are strengthening community resilience into the future, ensuring the NSW SES remains ready to respond to increasingly complex emergencies.”

Meanwhile, the NSW SES is celebrating a new generation of volunteers, with more than 30 per cent of members now aged under 35.

This growth has been driven in part by a revitalised Youth Internship Program, reintroduced last year, which has already seen more than 31 school-aged participants transition into full-time volunteer roles across the state.

SES volunteers in the 15-24 age bracket saw the largest growth last year, increasing by 12 per cent, with more than 3590 volunteers under 35.

The SES has introduced a range of initiatives to encourage volunteers to join, from setting up spontaneous volunteer programs to partnering with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia, as the SES looks at new pathways to meet the changing needs of communities.

Volunteer numbers remain strong across New South Wales, but the increasing intensity of natural disasters and changing nature of volunteering means organisations are adapting.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said it was pleasing to see young volunteers joining the state’s emergency response.

“From devastating floods to the destructive impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, NSW SES volunteers have worked tirelessly to save lives and support communities,” Mr Dib said.

“Today we recognise those who wear orange and the work they have done protecting communities across the state. Our SES volunteers don’t seek praise, but they absolutely deserve it and wearing orange is a simple gesture that means a great deal.”

Last year, NSW SES members collectively contributed almost 900,000 volunteer hours supporting their communities having attended more than 61,000 incidents.

This included more than 45,000 storm related jobs and more than 1,100 flood rescues.

“Volunteering in NSW is not standing still, it’s adapting to meet the changing needs of our communities and with more than 30 per cent of SES volunteers under 35, it’s clear the next generation is stepping forward,” Mr Dib said.

“We’re proud to support younger volunteers to build the skills, confidence and leadership that will shape the future of volunteer emergency services.

“The SES will always welcome more volunteers and continues to evolve to offer a greater variety of interesting roles. Whether you’re interested in flood rescue, driving a high clearance vehicle, catering, communications, logistics or operating a drone, our emergency services provide a wide range of opportunities to participate.”

Opportunities to volunteer with the NSW SES range from frontline operations and rescue to logistics, community engagement and vital behind the scenes support.

SES Commissioner Wassing said there is a place for everyone at the NSW SES.

“You don’t need experience to join, just a willingness to learn and a commitment to helping your community. Whether you’re interested in hands on emergency response, or supporting teams in other ways, there’s a place for you at the NSW SES,” he said.

“We’d love to see the whole state turn orange. It’s a small gesture with a big message: our volunteers are valued, respected and appreciated.”

To learn more or to start your volunteering journey with the NSW SES, visit SES Volunteering.