It’s National Volunteer Week here in Australia—a time to shine a light on the quiet, tireless efforts of the people who help hold our communities together. Until recently, I was one of them, doing my bit behind the scenes with the State Emergency Service (SES). My role? Helping with their publications and sponsorship outreach—essentially cold calling local businesses to ask if they’d be willing to support our incredible SES volunteers.
It was an interesting ride, to say the least.
Each day I’d pick up the phone and call, often facing more rejection than success. On a good week, I might find one supporter in 50 calls. Other weeks? It could be one in 200. Most people who answered either politely but declined or hung up without a word. Some were understandably cautious. (If you’ve ever seen your phone flash “Potential Scam Caller,” you’ll understand why.) Others were outright hostile—like the tractor driver who shouted abuse, or the woman who spent an hour pretending to be interested in promoting her cupcake business, only to accuse us of being scammers. That one hurt deep. All calls were recorded, so I had to keep my cool, stay professional, and gracefully wrap up even the nastiest conversations. It wasn’t always easy.
But then there were the golden moments. The few people who were genuinely curious about the SES. Who asked questions. Who didn’t know who those heroes in orange overalls were—until I told them they’re the ones rescuing people from rooftops during floods, running search and rescue operations, and helping in moments of crisis. It felt good to help spread that awareness, even when the wins were small.
So, why am I sharing this with you?
Because I got just a glimpse of what our emergency service volunteers face every day. And my experience was mild compared to theirs. If this short stint taught me anything, it’s this: being a volunteer—whether you’re on the front lines or on the phones—isn’t always easy. But it’s still worth it for the community.
Whether it’s helping the SES, joining a rural fire brigade, coaching a local sports team, or simply supporting a neighbourhood initiative—do something. Give back. Be part of what makes your community stronger.
Because heroes don’t always wear capes, some wear orange. Sometimes, they just pick up the phone.
Images: https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/
Please donate or support Wear Orange Wednesday 21st May.