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Other Parliamentary Speeches

This page is dedicated to Peter's speeches during parliament that do not fall under Questions or Questions without notice. They range from debating legislation, reporting on events or issues in his seat of Southport and his Ministerial Statements.

Southport Emergency Services Cadet Group
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Mar 10 2005
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Mr LAWLOR (Southport-ALP) (6.15 pm): On 17 February I was honoured to represent the Minister for Emergency Services, Chris Cummins, at the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Southport Emergency Services Cadet Group. Peter Linnell, the chair of the local cadet advisory committee, welcomed me and there were also representatives from the Queensland Police Service and the department. I thank again the local cadet group coordinator, Patrick Kyriakides, and all the adult leaders for their commitment and support of the cadet group.

Between December 1994 and February 1995, 10 cadet groups were approved to establish a youth development program through the Department of Emergency Services. In 1995, all of these groups commenced operating. Of the original 10 groups, nine are still operating today and this year they celebrate their 10th anniversary. That is a fantastic achievement and it shows how worthy this cadet program is. But it is all thanks to the volunteers who keep the units running.

The Southport Emergency Services Cadet Group is sponsored by the State Emergency Service and is supported by the local emergency services agency. The Southport cadet group has provided young people with the opportunity to develop initiative, leadership, self-discipline and loyalty and has equipped them with the skills to gain future employment. Weekly training meetings provide skill development opportunities for members that are supplemented by camps and excursions. An example of how these skills are supporting community safety can be seen through the efforts of Kristy Heitman. Kristy was a cadet and upon completing the program became an adult leader. Currently, she is the deputy local cadet coordinator and is also the deputy group leader of the Southport SES group.

Since the Southport cadet group commenced in 1995, five cadets have been awarded the Gold Coast City Council Youth Achievement Award: in 1997, Kristy Heitman; in 2000, Erin Scuipanski; in 2001, Elliard Spiel; in 2002, Ashlee Thompson; and in 2004, Emma Kennedy. These cadets are still members today. That speaks volumes for the Southport group.

Although volunteer adult leaders are responsible for the operation of cadet groups, the Southport Emergency Services Cadet Group is one of the very few cadet groups where an original member of the group is still active. Patrick Kyriakides, the local cadet coordinator, has held this position for 10 years. I was pleased to present a meritorious service certificate commemorating Patrick's 10 years of service. I also presented a certificate to Kristy Heitman on behalf of the cadet group for the 10th anniversary. She is the longest-serving cadet and is now a leader. Without the commitment and dedication of volunteer adult leaders, guest instructors and lecturers, the Southport cadet group would not be the success that it is today.

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