Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) is a national day of recognition to say ‘thank you’ to all SES volunteers across Australia. This year WOW Day is celebrated on Wednesday 20 May 2026. On WOW Day communities across Australia are encouraged to wear orange and thank all SES volunteers who generously give their time to help communities during floods, storms and emergencies.
God of shelter and strength,
we give you thanks for the women and men of the SES,
for those who leave the comfort of home
when storms rage and floodwaters rise,
when roads are cut,
when fear settles over communities,
and when lives are overturned in a single night.
We give thanks for courage that does not seek recognition,
for quiet acts of service offered in rain, darkness, exhaustion, and danger.
For hands that carry sandbags,
for voices that reassure the frightened,
for crews who search, rescue, comfort, and restore —
we offer our gratitude.
Strengthen those who stand watch in times of crisis.
Protect them as they travel unfamiliar roads,
enter damaged homes,
and bear witness to grief, loss, and devastation.
When the weight of what they have seen becomes heavy,
grant them rest, healing, and companions who will care for them in return.
We pray also for their families and loved ones,
who wait through long nights and uncertain conditions,
sharing in the sacrifice of service.
God of compassion,
shape us also into people of preparedness and generosity —
neighbours who look after one another,
communities that respond with kindness rather than fear,
and citizens willing to work together for the common good.
On this Wear Orange Wednesday,
may gratitude rise louder than disaster,
hope stronger than destruction,
and courage be renewed in all who serve.
Amen.
