Nyngan High School cadets celebrate graduation

NSW RFS District Manager Paul Metcalfe said the program is the ideal way to introduce young people to the important role volunteer firefighter’s play within communities.

"These Year 9, 10 and 11 cadets, from Nyngan High School have completed a 10 week course that has given them skills which will last a lifetime,” Mr Metcalfe said.

“As well as examining fire behaviour, the students have been taught essential fire safety techniques and gained an appreciation of the work our emergency services do every day in this state.

"The cadet program also offers students the opportunity to experience firsthand the commitment and camaraderie that comes with volunteering and transition to their local rural fire brigade should they wish and three Nyngan High students have taken up that opportunity.”

Nyngan High School Principal, Benn Wright said this was the first time the school had offered the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program to its students, but it wouldn’t be the last.

“We are ecstatic with the NSW RFS opportunity for our students to gain skills through the High School Cadet program,” he said.

“We had 17 students, six of whom are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, complete the course and we have a lot of interest in running a program next year.

“I sincerely thank all staff at North West Zone for their work in supporting and running this program and our deepest thanks from the students and staff to our instructors from Nyngan HQ Brigade, Captain Cory McMillan and Deputy Captain Joe Ludick. They were brilliant with the students and made the whole program the success it was.”

Mr Metcalfe also paid tribute to the staff and volunteers from the Nyngan Team who facilitated the course.

"NSW RFS members thoroughly enjoy working closely with schools and communities to ensure that everyone is as well prepared as possible for the very real threat of fire. Firefighters cannot do it alone,” Mr Metcalfe said.

“The Service is proud to pass on the ideals of community service, dedication and teamwork to the next generation.”