Time to salute our volunteers during week-long celebration

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford has urged Queenslanders to next week celebrate the efforts of volunteers who ensure the safety of communities right across the state.

Mr Crawford said like all Queenslanders, he was in awe of the “ordinary people, producing the extraordinary when we need them most”.

He said there were more than 42,000 volunteers in Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), including Rural Fire Service and SES.

“We can all celebrate these men and women who make a profound impact in their communities during National Volunteer Week (May 21-27),” Mr Crawford said.

“During the week, thousands of events will be held across the country to say thank you to the six million Australians who volunteer their time.

“The celebration will include breakfasts, morning/afternoon teas, and luncheons, as well as open days, award ceremonies, picnics, forums and training sessions.

“The Rural Fire Service will mark National Volunteer Week at a summit on the Sunshine Coast from May 25-27, which I will be attending.

“The SES will be celebrating through WOW (Wear Orange Wednesday) Day.

“The purpose of the national WOW Day campaign is to inspire people to wear orange on 23 May in recognition of the efforts of the thousands of SES volunteers across Australia who give up their time to serve their communities.”

Mr Crawford said the theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week is ‘Give a little. Change a lot’.

“The eagerness and enthusiasm of our volunteers is inspiring, and Queenslanders can take comfort from the passion they have for helping ease their pain,” Mr Crawford said.

“My deep respect for volunteers began at a young age with the example set by my father, a member of the Victorian Country Fire Authority, and eventuated with my own enrolment in the local brigade.

“I spent two decades with the Victorian CFA while also working full time as a paramedic before I moved to far north Queensland.

“Queensland is a unique state, faced with environmental and climate challenges that can see a cyclone in the north one day and bushfires in the south the next.

“The efforts and dedication of those who volunteer their time never ceases to amaze me, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we face the challenges ahead,” Mr Crawford said.

ENDS

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