Civic Centre lights up for Wear Orange Wednesday

Wednesday, 19 May 2021

The Penrith Civic Centre will shine a shade of orange every night this week to reflect Penrith City Council’s gratitude for the tireless efforts of NSW State Emergency Service (SES) personnel.

Wear Orange Wednesday (19 May), also known as WOW Day, is an initiative which aims to acknowledge and thank SES volunteers for their hard work during times of crisis.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said the commitment by the SES to the community has been profound, particularly in recent months.

“It was only weeks ago that major storms lashed the City and caused Penrith’s worst flood since 1961, creating several road diversions and closures across the LGA which left some residents and businesses cut off,” Cr McKeown said.

“Our local SES crews were incredible during a time of great uncertainty – they were on the ground responding to the emergency and providing clear instructions for our staff to follow in order to help keep our community safe.

“From dealing with flood and storm damage, to assisting with bushfire efforts, we can always count on the SES and we thank them for their assistance.”

Penrith Unit Commander Scott Lynch was pleased to learn the Civic Centre will be awash with orange not just for WOW Day but an entire week as a show of appreciation.

“We have a great relationship with Penrith Council and we appreciate the ongoing support from Council in helping us undertake the type of work we do – we also thank the volunteers for their efforts,” he said.

Wear Orange Wednesday coincides with National Volunteer Week which celebrates the contribution of almost six million volunteers across Australia.

To find out more about the SES and how you can volunteer visit https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer

Photo caption: (WOW_1.jpg) Penrith City Council’s General Manager Warwick Winn (second from left) and Mayor Karen McKeown OAM (second from right) pictured with members of the Penrith SES Unit.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 19 May 2021.