It's that time of the year to WOW your colleagues once again.
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This week (May 18-24) is National Volunteer Week and as part of this, Queensland's State Emergency Service is encouraging residents to take part in Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day) to show their support for the SES.
Since 1962 the SES has been there for Queensland with its 6000 members volunteering their time across the state including in Mount Isa, recently boosted by a new ute and storm trailer.
SES Mount Isa Local Controller David Muston said Wear Orange Wednesday was a bit of fun with a serious message.
"We want to encourage people to wear orange to work to show their appreciation and support of the SES," Mr Muston said.
The SES is a totally volunteer organisation relying on its members to give up their valuable time to help their community in times of need.
Mr Muston said for him it was about giving back and showing community spirit.
"My family was in the SES when I was growing up," he said.
"I remember watching the 2011 floods on TV and thinking I wanted to help."
Mr Muston joined the SES around that time and moved from Cairns to Mount Isa for his shiftwork job.
"I've been in the organisation nine years now and am the local controller," he said.
The local controller's job is to maintain the operational effectiveness of the unit by ensuring members have the necessary skills to do their job, ensuring the equipment is maintained, and ensuring the unit performs its work according to local policies.
"Each council are has its local controller and I'm the shift leader in Mount Isa," he said.
"There's a lot involved, looking after resources, finance and training."
As well as Mount Isa the local group will help out other groups in the region on occasion.
"We can get called out to Cloncurry, we help them and they help out, it's helping neighbours."
Last year was a big storm season for the SES with blocked gutters, fallen trees, leaking roofs, and searches on land and water.
Mr Muston said the COVID-19 pandemic had changed their approach.
"We've suspended training, postponed day-to-day stuff and only perform critical duties," he said.
"We are about to open again training this week and hopefully open fully in June."
Mr Muston said the SES was always on the lookout for new members.
"There's a role for for everyone," he said.
"It doesn't matter if you only do community events, or land searches, we realise everyone is busy and appreciate what time you can give, everything helps."
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