They are affectionately known as the Orange Angels - the SES volunteers who come to the area’s rescue in times of emergency.
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Now you have the chance to recognise the thousands of volunteers who are there in our time of need.
WOW Day, or Wear Orange Wednesday, will be held on May 11.
The simple call to action day encourages everyone to wear orange to work to recognise the wonderful work SES volunteers do.
Nowra SES Unit communications officer Jacqui Gilmore said the day was aimed at the local community showing its support for the organisation.
“Orange is the official colour of the SES across the country, so wearing orange is a great way to show your support to our volunteers,” she said.
Ms Gilmore said the Nowra unit also sees it as a chance to “rally up” more members.
“Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to join the SES,” she said.
“Age is no problem, we can take anyone from 16 to, well old,” she joked.
“And it is not all about getting out there, battling flood waters, getting up on roofs or using chainsaws.
“There are many other jobs behind the scenes that are of great benefit to the organisation.”
The Nowra unit has 90 members, 75 of whom are active, with Ms Gilmore saying more are always welcome.
“A number of our members are retired and that allows them the time to answer the call when there are emergencies,” she said.
“But we are always looking for members, especially any younger ones.
“And you don’t have to worry if you don’t have experience, we provide full training.
“We work with people’s abilities and capabilities and, of course, safety is always our first concern.”
Members come from a wide cross section of the community.
Take the four photographed for instance, husband and wife team Alex and Pauline Kitto have backgrounds in mechanics and office administration, and are regularly in the field for operations.
“Pauline often finds herself up on roofs when tarping or work is required,” Ms Gilmore said.
Ms Gilmore herself has a background in nursing, having been a nurse unit manager at Shoalhaven District Hospital for many years, while Geoff Edwards has a background in the army and in motoring industry.
“It doesn’t matter what your background is, we can always find a job for you,” Ms Gilmore said.
“With the training we provide you can do anything.
“But we also realise not all people want to get out on roofs, or tackle flood waters, we have people who work in media ops, flood intelligences, administration.
“We are getting a few younger people involved, especially the older aged school children which is great.
“They learn life skills and it also looks good on their resume in the future. It is also very rewarding.”
Anyone interested in joining the Nowra SES Unit can head to its meeting each Wednesday night at the Shoalhaven Emergency Administration Centre in Albatross Road from 7pm.
