As part of their 3500 kilometre journey around the state, a giant SES truck was in Orange on Monday to collect messages of thanks to deliver to Martin Place today.

Orange City SES deputy controller Rob Hines said local volunteers had racked up over 5000 hours of assistance in the last nine months alone.

Mr Hines said he was pleased with the number of people who came to meet them on Monday.

NSW SES deputy commissioner Tara McCarthy said the road trip had been great for volunteers to hear a “thank-you” from so many people.

“It’s fabulous the support we get from the community,” she said.

Commissioner Murray Kear said it was important for the community to recognise SES volunteers’ efforts, given the invaluable services they provide.

“Around 70 per cent of NSW was affected by flooding this year, equating to an area the size of Spain,” he said.

“At the height of the floods, more than 20,000 people were subject to evacuation orders as volunteers worked around the clock to keep communities safe.”

Mr Hines said they needed volunteers in Orange and encouraged anyone with an interest to call them.

“Time commitment is as little as three hours a week,” he said.

Many of the qualifications learnt during SES training are nationally recognised, Mr Hines said.

“They’re transferable into other [emergency] services as well,” he said.

For more information on volunteering for the SES call 1800 201 000.

nadine.morton@fairfaxmedia.com.au