Community encouraged to support hardworking SES volunteers on Wear Orange Wednesday

Volunteering with the State Emergency Service is a family affair for one Kalgoorlie-Boulder family.

Reidan, Lisa and Layton Ford, 16, are among a team of trained volunteers who assist the community in times of crisis.

Mr Ford joined Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s SES unit 18 months ago after learning about the organisation’s positive impact from his wife Lisa who had volunteered for several years.

“When she would go out on jobs, hearing the satisfaction that she got from helping the community and being involved is what (encouraged) me to jump into it,” he said.

The couple’s 16-year-old daughter Layton joined as a cadet two years ago and established herself as a key team member.

Mr Ford said SES volunteers were often called on to assist during land searches or severe storms.

He said the unit worked in treacherous weather and terrain to assist community members in times of crisis.

“There’s a lot of different reasons on why (SES is important) but I suppose, who else are you going to call?” he said.

“If your house is leaking profusely at eight o’clock at night, you can’t call a contractor to come out and fix a leaking roof.

“The SES are willing to actually come out in their time and help you in those periods when you really do need the help, and it’s not costing you a dime.”

The SES unit trains weekly at their Forrest Street base in Boulder.

Mr Ford said volunteers gained important operational and communications skills.

Wednesday marks WOW Day, Wear Orange Wednesday, a time to recognise and celebrate the hard work of SES volunteers across the country.

It takes place during National Volunteer Week, which runs from May 19-25.

Kalgoorlie town hall, William Grundt Memorial Library, and Eastern Goldfields community centre will be lit in orange in the evening.

Community members are encouraged to wear orange to show their support.

“It does feel good to be recognised, but we don’t ask for it,” Mr Ford said.

“We don’t go looking for recognition, but it does feel really good having that recognition, and it does go a long way.”

Mr Ford said the Kalgoorlie-Boulder unit always welcomed new volunteers and encouraged anyone interested to reach out.

Information on volunteering can be found on the SES WA website.