NSW SES and RFS cadets of the year announced
Published Date: 16 May 2012
Summary
Two students who undertook cadetships with the NSW State Emergency Services (SES) and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) respectively have been chosen by each organisation as the 2011 Cadet of the Year.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher today presented the pair with their Cadet of the Year award at a ceremony at Parliament House.
"The SES and RFS Cadet of the Year Award is presented to a year nine or ten
student who completes a ten-week program, designed to promote learning,
leadership and the values of volunteering and community services.
"15-year-old Joshua Day from Gunnedah High School was chosen by the SES out
of 465 students after demonstrating exceptional abilities to lead, mentor,
encourage and support his peers; he always volunteered to be involved in
additional activities and showed determination in completing all tasks.
"Since graduating from the Cadet Program, Joshua has demonstrated his
commitment to his community by volunteering to assist the Gunnedah 'Riding for
the Disabled which provides people with a disability the experience of horseback
riding," Minister Gallacher said.
"Similarly, the Rural Fire Service Cadet, 16-year-old Phillip Brunsdon was
chosen from 800 students as the NSW RFS 2011 Cadet of the Year.
"Phillip suffers from Cerebral Palsy but his determination and hard work
has seen him rise to be an outstanding star in the Cadet Program.
"Phillip has not once let his disability deter him and has demonstrated
excellent capabilities, a high degree of leadership and teamwork, always
volunteered to be involved in additional cadet activities and gained the respect
of his peers," Minister Gallacher said.
"Phillip also participated in the Australian National Fire Cadet
Championships for Tumut Cadets and led his team in every event.
"I have the utmost admiration and appreciation for the Rural Fire Service
and State Emergency Service and strongly support their Cadet Programs," Minister
Gallacher concluded.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says through their school cadet
programs, students are given the opportunity to learn how to deal safely with
all manner of emergencies, and by doing so they become a tremendous asset to
their communities.
"These young people have not only gained invaluable experience and
knowledge; they have demonstrated unwavering dedication to the program and are a
credit to their schools, their families and the broader community," Commissioner
Fitzsimmons said
SES Commissioner Murray Kear says the cadets learn important skills and put
so much back into their communities as a result.
"As Commissioner of the NSW SES I'm proud of the achievements of our Cadets
and the Cadet Program. This program is an investment in the future of the
Service, injecting fresh ideas, energy and enthusiasm into our ranks.
Attached files:
Contact Name: Tess Salmon (Minister's Office)
Contact Phone: 0467 740 017
