Gin Gin Emergency Services Cadets recently marked four years of the group’s work with young locals, celebrating with an awards night and ageing-out ceremony.
The group is one of 22 units throughout Queensland committed to providing positive activity for the wellbeing of young people.
Unit leader Annette Garwood shared with us some of this year’s highlights from the group.
Can you describe the achievement your group recently celebrated?
In October we celebrated our four-year milestone.
We have also had two cadets achieve their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and moving on the silver and above.
Through our training, one of our cadets and his dad, also a leader in our unit, saved a man’s life by pulling him out of his burning car after he had rolled it.
Thus receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from the Queensland Ambulance Service, which was presented at our Awards night.
What does it mean for your members and the community?
Our program works for its members and the community, by our cadets volunteering in our community and being a large noticeable part of the town.
How did you the group get started?
A need for something worthwhile for the youth of Gin Gin and surrounds.
This was achieved by the hard work of Local Cadet Co-ordinator Charlie Garwood, not giving up on his belief this unit was needed for the youth of Gin Gin.
What challenges did your group face and how did you work together to overcome them?
We had to prove the unit was needed.
This was achieved by organising a multi-agency weekend involving Fire and Rescue, Rural Fire, SES, QPS, QAS, 10 prospective leaders and over 40 young people aged between 10 and 18 years.
How did the support from the wider community influence your group’s success?
We had 100% support from every emergency service in Gin Gin, plus VMR, Red Cross, Surf Life Saving in Bundaberg. We also have the Bundaberg Regional Council support through the Gin Gin Community Hub.
What skills or lessons have your members learned throughout this process that you plan to apply in the future?
Our cadets learn all facets of emergency services.
A hands-on application which has led to some cadets to join one or two of the services at age of 16 years.
How has this achievement changed your group’s dynamics or perspective on your mission?
We have 25 to 30 cadets attend our training night every week eager to learn new skills and knowledge.
Our team building activities help to get our unit into a cohesive learning experience.
Why do you think it is important to have a community group like yours in the local area?
Our youth of today need to learn life skills, self-respect, respect for others and discipline in a safe, structured and enjoyable environment.
This we provide each week.
Can you share any memorable moments or highlights from your group’s journey?
Every time a cadet achieves is a highlight.
We see them grow into fine young adults which will benefit any future community they belong to.
What advice would you offer to other groups in the community aspiring to achieve similar milestones?
Work hard, stay focused and be adaptable to change.
What are your group’s future plans now that you’ve accomplished this milestone?
To keep doing what we do, maybe with ever slight improvements here and there, but basically to help these young people in making informed decisions on their future while enjoying the comradery of the unit.
Our adult leaders are essential as mentors to help create young leaders of tomorrow.
Find out more about the Emergency Services Cadets program on the PCYC Queensland website.
