In a matter of years, Elsa Alston has transformed Carnarvon's State Emergency Service (SES) unit from a small squad into a large and fearless family.
"None of us could have predicted how it would turn out or what it would become," Elsa said as she recalled her team's strenuous search for Cleo Smith last year – an experience that bonded the unit.
"When they heard a four-year-old and a community member was missing, everyone just dropped what they were doing and scrambled to help," she said.
Every day for two weeks, the group searched "miles and miles" through sand dunes for the little girl.
When Carnarvon SES volunteer Nicole Ebner heard Cleo had been found, she had never felt such elation.
"It still brings a bit of a tear to our eye," Elsa said.
Orange is the new black in Carnarvon
In Elsa's three years as manager of the Carnarvon SES unit, volunteer numbers have quadrupled.
With 29 active members now, Nicole attributes the group's growth to Elsa, saying members often call her "Mum".
"She's the glue that holds us all together," Nicole said.
The Carnarvon unit is unique in that more than 80 per cent of volunteers are women.
"I'm not some ball-breaking feminist" Elsa joked, saying the gender ratio's flip in recent years had been organic.
"I think emergency services is one of those spaces."
The Carnarvon SES also boasts cultural diversity, which Elsa says reflects the Carnarvon community.
Volunteers originate from more than six different countries, including India, Bulgaria, The Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
"Training nights are never dull or quiet," Elsa said.
One big orange family
Karratha SES volunteer of 29 years, Joanne Waterstrom-Muller, speaks just as highly of her team.
"We always call them our orange family because they are like family," she said, highlighting that the SES was a place for everyone.
Joanne said the average turnover rate of SES volunteers was about five years, so units were always recruiting.
Nicole says the skills people learn may surprise them.
"I'm scared of heights, and I've jumped off towers and the bridge," she said.
Elsa said the job was incredibly rewarding.
Wear Orange Wednesday
During National Volunteers Week this week, Wear Orange Wednesday — or WOW Day — is when Australians are encouraged to chuck on something orange and thank the SES volunteers who generously give their time to help communities during flood and storm emergencies.
Elsa says the day is also a chance for the SES to thank those who return the support.
"When we were out searching for Cleo, we would come back to flowers on our doorstep or meals delivered," she said.
"Today's our chance to give back to the community that supports us."
