Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW), on Wednesday 20 May 2026 of National Volunteer Week, is the national day to celebrate and thank SES volunteers. It has been another challenging severe weather season for most of Queensland, and our SES volunteers have once again demonstrated outstanding dedication to supporting their communities through difficult times. They have responded to over 14,000 requests for SES assistance since WOW in May 2025!
Many people show their thanks by sharing WOW messages and photos in the lead up to WOW and wearing orange on Wednesday 20 May 2026. This page will soon be updated to include a range of 2026 resources to help the community express their appreciation for the time SES members dedicate to training, preparation and assisting Queensland communities.
There are plenty of ways to get involved, for example you could:
- add a splash of orange to your outfit for the day
- organise or take part in WOW celebrations at your work, school or elsewhere in your community
- take a photo of yourself in something orange and post it on social media along with the #ThankyouSES and #QLDSES hashtags
- light up your business, home, workplace or other property in orange on Tuesday and Wednesday nights
- keep an eye out for and participate in local WOW community events organised by businesses, organisations and SES regions, units and groups
- do some fun orange and SES themed activities at school, OSHC, daycare or youth group.
WOW takes place annually on the Wednesday of National Volunteer Week, from 18 to 24 May in 2026.
WOW resources
Check back soon for updated 2026 resources.
Social media tiles
Follow each linked image for a full version to use in your social media posts.
Promote WOW in your community
Use these posters and add some orange to your signature block to build awareness of WOW.
Poster (PDF)
Email signature banners
Follow each linked image for a full version to use in your email signature.
Activities
Add some orange fun to your school day, OSHC program or other child-friendly occasion.
Colouring-in pages (PDF)
Say thanks or hi!
Say hi to a friend and let them know about WOW. Or better still send a message of thanks to your local SES unit or group via the local SES area office or council.
