Graduating Gundagai High School cadet firefighters celebrated

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP and NSW RFS South West Slopes Zone manager Superintendent Andrew Dillion praised the participants’ commitment to the program, which teaches basic firefighting skills and develops confidence, team work, leadership and initiative.  

“These cadets have completed a 10 week course which has taught them skills and knowledge that will last a lifetime,” Ms Cooke said.

“As well as learning about fire behaviour, the students have gained an appreciation of the vital contribution emergency services make to the community and the importance of the work that they carry out every day across the state.

“The program also presented students with the opportunity to experience firsthand the camaraderie and community spirit that comes with volunteering.”

Superintendent Dillion thanked Gundagai High School for its continued support of the program, noting that this is the eighth year that it has been offered at the school.

“It is great to see there is genuine enthusiasm for this important community based program and I would like to thank Gundagai High School principal Adelia Fuller and her staff for helping to make this program such a success,” Superintendent Dillion said.

“I would also like to thank Gundagai High School teacher and NSW RFS volunteer Dale Chadwick, who ran the program and instructed the cadets.

"NSW RFS members work closely with schools and communities to ensure that everyone is as well prepared as possible for the threat of fire and are proud to pass on the ideals of community service, dedication and teamwork to the next generation.”