Since 1961 generations of volunteers have answered the call when storms and floods have hit the inner west, giving their time, skill and courage to keep their neighbours safe. On Saturday 7 November, Inner West Council and the NSW SES hosted a sixty-fifth anniversary celebration at Ashfield Town Hall, bringing together past and present members, supporters and community representatives to acknowledge the history and dedication of the unit. The day was also marked by the launch of Ashfield‑Leichhardt SES: Our Volunteers, Our Community, Our Story. Researched and written by Pilar Lorenzo, one of the unit's volunteers, the book captures the history, dedication and contributions of 6½ decades of members. It was supported through an Inner West Council Community History Grant, with the NSW SES Volunteers Association also contributing to the celebrations. I thank every member, past and present, who has worn the orange; unit commander, Sharon Buckley, OAM; and the whole leadership team. Our community is safer and stronger because of them.