Queensland Police Service (QPS) is proud to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of the State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers, Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) volunteer members, and Volunteers in Policing (ViPs) as part of National Volunteer Week.
These volunteers play a vital role in keeping Queenslanders safe, as they support frontline police in responses to natural disasters, search and rescues, and community engagement.
Deputy Commissioner for Emergency and Disaster Management Chris Stream said that Queensland's frontline is further strengthened by the support of volunteers.
"The value of our volunteers is immense; they give up their time, and often risk their lives, to help keep Queenslanders safe," Deputy Commissioner Stream said.
"Our ViPs are an important connection between the community and police officers.
"They support police in many ways - from helping with community safety and crime prevention to being a compassionate presence for victims of crime during some of their toughest moments.
Deputy Commissioner Stream added that National Volunteer Week wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the incredible work of the SES and MRQ.
"Our SES and MRQ volunteers provide critical support to our frontline services emergency situations, right across Queensland," Deputy Commissioner Stream said.
SES volunteers across Queensland were an integral part of the emergency services response during the 2025/2026 higher risk weather season, deploying hundreds of personnel to assist during North and Northwest Queensland floods, Tropical Cyclone Koji and Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
Since this time last year, there have been more than 14,000 requests for SES assistance, with teams assisting in multiple floodwater rescues, requests for debris clearing, washouts and more.
SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong said the passion and dedication of teams across Queensland is second to none.
"I'm extremely proud of each volunteer within our organisation who selflessly gives up their time and expertise to go above and beyond every day for their community," Chief Officer Armstrong said.
"It's vital we recognise their work and achievements.
"The scope of the SES extends far beyond extreme weather, with our volunteers also often assisting QPS with missing persons, forensic searches, and road crash rescues in remote communities," he said.
QPS Inspector and SES Volunteer Cindel Richardson said SES volunteers are just everyday people who want to give back.
"Being an SES volunteer is very rewarding, it offers a sense of community and the chance to help the community around us in their times of need," Inspector Richardson said.
She also encouraged members of the public to show thanks to SES volunteers on Wednesday, 20 May, for Wear Orange Wednesday.
"We encourage everyone to wear a splash of orange on their outfits this Wednesday, to acknowledge the SES volunteers and to say thank you for their ongoing commitment and dedication," she said.
Volunteer members from MRQ are also being celebrated this week, for their work in keeping Queenslanders safe on the water.
MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff said their volunteers were the backbone of their organisation.
"From coordinating rescues in sometimes difficult conditions, to providing vital safety education to the boating community, our volunteers serve their communities with enthusiasm, professionalism, and pride," Chief Officer Wulff said.
From cyclone response and flood recovery to community patrols and crime prevention programs, QPS ViPs, and SES and MRQ volunteers work tirelessly - often behind the scenes - demonstrating resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
For resources to say 'thank you' to SES volunteers visit www.ses.qld.gov.au. To learn more about MRQ, visit https://www.mrq.qld.gov.au/.
For assistance with a life-threatening situation phone Triple Zero (000) immediately.
For assistance with non-life-threatening situations in severe weather - such as help with damaged homes from storms - contact the SES at 132500.qld.gov.au, on the SES Assistance QLD app, or call 132 500.
When heading out on the water, log on and off with your local marine rescue unit and call 131 MRQ (131 677) if you need assistance.
Keep up to date with the latest weather advice at Queensland Warnings Summary (bom.gov.au).
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
