By Tanya Steele
A simple recycling program going strong in the heart of Emerald has yielded thousands of dollars in direct donations, with another location beginning to show the same strength in Officer.
Local SES have taken time to thank its volunteers and community for the overwhelming support they have received for their container deposit schemes as Wear Orange Wednesday approaches across the nation.
More than 180,000 worth of containers have been donated by the community directly to the Emerald SES to date, with strong public support from the very start.
SES Unit Controller Emerald Jess Rice said that in just over a year and a half, locals have returned more than 1.3 million containers, raising over $18,000 in direct donations to the Emerald SES.
“We’re blown away by the support of our local community,” she said.
“Every bottle and can helps – not just in terms of sustainability, but by backing the critical work our volunteers do.”
CDS Vic is part of the Victorian Government’s investment in the state’s waste and recycling sector and since it began operating in November 2023, the CDS site in Emerald has seen over 860 volunteer hours from SES members.
Funds raised go directly back into supporting emergency operations and equipment, and the program also provides a connection point between SES members and the community.
Ms Rice said programs like this allow the SES to engage with the community in a different way – it’s not just about emergencies.
“It shows how small actions, like returning containers, can have a big impact,” she said.
SES volunteers have enjoyed engaging with residents outside of emergencies and can educate them around emergency preparedness – they have said it’s a rewarding way to contribute to the unit beyond response work.
Over in Officer, the new SES volunteers there have also begun collecting cans, with over 12,000 containers returned to date.
SES Unit Controller in Officer, Kristy Noorbergen said programs like CDS are a great way for new volunteers to get involved.
“It gives our members a chance to connect with the community, raise awareness about what we do, and support our unit in a really practical way,” she said.
Officer hope they will see the same community support as Emerald from the program and as WOW Day (Wear Orange Wednesday) approaches for May 21, both units are are taking time this week to acknowledge and thank all members who go the extra mile and to serve.
The public is encouraged to wear orange on WOW Day to show their support, and Ms Rice said WOW Day is a moment to pause and recognise every kind of volunteer contribution.
“Whether it’s the high-adrenaline emergency callouts or the quieter, behind-the-scenes efforts like running the CDS Vic return point – it’s all vital, and it all matters,” she said.
“Volunteer Week is also a great chance to start a conversation – if you’ve ever thought about joining SES, this is your sign,” she said.
“You don’t need experience, just a willingness to learn and be part of a team that shows up when it counts.”
Ms Noorbergen said WOW Day is a special moment for volunteers as they reflect on how they’ve come after starting a new unit from the ground up.
“For a brand-new unit like Officer, it’s a reminder that we’re part of something bigger,” she said.
“Seeing the community wear orange and show support really lifts our members, especially those just starting their journey with SES.”
Both units will continue their vital work, and Ms Noorbergen said this year they would also like to acknowledge the families that support all of their SES members to give of their time.
“This sacrifice and dedication are so valuable to the work of our unit and the long-lasting positive impact we can provide to our local community,” she said.
Residents looking for another way to say thank you to SES volunteers can drop by the Emerald or Officer CDS return point this week and donate their cans – every container helps support the work local volunteers do, Emerald collect on Thursdays from 11am – 7pm and Officer collect on Wednesdays from 3om to 7pm.
“When the community wears orange, donates a can, or even just stops to say thank you, it reminds our volunteers that their time and commitment are seen and valued,” said Ms Rice.
“That encouragement goes a long way – especially for our newer members,” she said.
