Celebrate Queensland SES volunteers on WOW Day

SES volunteers hold WOW letters on the side of the street. Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) is just around the corner, taking place on Wednesday 20 May 2026. This special day is a national celebration of the incredible State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to supporting communities during emergencies.

From floods to cyclones, SES volunteers are the heart of disaster response and recovery efforts across Queensland. WOW Day is an opportunity for all Queenslanders to show their gratitude and appreciation by wearing orange, the official colour of the SES.

This year’s WOW Day is particularly significant as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Queensland SES. For half a century, SES volunteers have been stepping up in times of need, providing vital assistance and demonstrating unwavering commitment to their communities.

Chief Officer Dr Mark Armstrong CSC reflected on the significance of this milestone and the importance of WOW Day.

“WOW Day is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary work our SES volunteers do every day. These selfless individuals put their lives on hold to help others during emergencies, often in challenging circumstances.

This year, as we celebrate 50-years of the Queensland SES, I encourage everyone to wear orange and show their support for these remarkable volunteers. A simple gesture of appreciation can mean the world to those who dedicate their time and energy to keeping our communities safe,” he said.

WOW Day also coincides with National Volunteer Week (#NVW2026), providing an even greater opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions of volunteers across Australia while shining a spotlight on the SES.

This year, WOW Day in Queensland is proudly supported by Suncorp, the Principal Community Partner of the Queensland SES. Suncorp’s enduring partnership plays an important role in empowering SES volunteers and helping to build resilience within Queensland. Suncorp actively acknowledges and celebrates the invaluable contributions of SES volunteers, helping to raise awareness of their efforts in responding to severe weather.

Dr Armstrong expressed his gratitude for this partnership:

“We are incredibly thankful to Suncorp for their unwavering support of the Queensland SES. Their partnership has been instrumental in helping us better serve our communities and ensuring our volunteers are always ready to respond when disaster strikes.”

How you can get involved

Getting involved in WOW Day is easy and fun. Here are some simple ways you can show your support:

Wear orange: Whether it’s a shirt, scarf or hat, don your brightest orange attire to show your support.
Host an orange-themed event: Organise a morning tea, community gathering or workplace celebration to thank SES volunteers.
Light up in orange: Illuminate local landmarks, buildings or your home in orange to visibly show your support.
Share your thanks online: Post photos and videos of your WOW Day celebrations on social media using the hashtags #WOWDay and #ThankYouSES. Don’t forget to tag @Queensland State Emergency Service on Facebook and @qldses on Instagram to join the conversation.

To make it even easier to get involved, we’ve created a suite of ready-to-use resources, including social media tiles, posters and an activity pack for schools. You can find everything you need to celebrate WOW Day on our website.

Dr Armstrong added, “WOW Day is not just about wearing orange; it’s about recognising the courage, compassion and dedication of our SES volunteers. Whether it’s by sharing a message of thanks, hosting an event or simply wearing orange, every small gesture of appreciation makes a big difference. Together, we can make WOW Day 2026 a truly memorable celebration.”

Let’s come together as a community to honour the Queensland SES volunteers who work tirelessly to keep us safe. Mark your calendars for Wednesday 20 May 2026 and join us in celebrating the dedication and selflessness of Queensland SES volunteers. For more information about WOW Day and to access resources, visit the WOW Day page. Let’s make WOW Day 2026 one to remember.