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Media Releases My electorate office distributes information which is important to the Southport electorate in particular, and the Gold Coast in general. This information goes to the print and electronic media, however due to space or time constraints it doesn’t always get printed or broadcast. Through my website however, you can access all news stories which emanate from my office and thus keep up-to-date with State Government issues relating to Southport.
Southport's Emergency Services Cadet Group celebrates 10 years |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Feb 18 2005 |
| Media Releases >> |
The Southport Emergency Services Cadet Group is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Member for Southport, Peter Lawlor, represented Emergency Services Minister Chris Cummins at a special ceremony on Thursday to mark the occasion and presented certificates acknowledging the milestone.
Mr Lawlor thanked the Southport Cadet Group Co-ordinator, Patrick Kyriakides, and all the adult leaders for their commitment and support to the functioning of the cadet group.
He said ten Cadet Groups started a youth development program through the Department of Emergency Services in 1995.
"Of the original ten groups, nine are still operating today and this year they celebrate their 10th anniversary," Mr Lawlor said.
"This is a fantastic achievement and shows how worthy this Cadet program is, but it is all thanks to 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 agencies.
"The Southport Cadet Group has provided young people with the opportunity to develop initiative, leadership, self-discipline and loyalty and equip them with the skills to gain future employment."
Mr Lawlor said since the group commenced, the young people who have been members of the Cadet Groups have had the opportunity to develop leadership, self-reliance and teamwork skills.
"They have participated in their community, developed employability skills in emergency services and awareness for community safety," he said.
"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 Kristy Heitman.
"After completing the cadet program, Kristy became an adult leader and is currently the Deputy Local Cadet Co-ordinator and 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. They are:
- 1997 - Kristy Heitman
- 2000 - Erin Scuipanski
- 2001 - Elliard Spiel
- 2002 - Ashlee Thompson
- 2004 - Emma Kennedy
"These cadets are still members today - and this speaks volumes for the Southport Group," Mr Lawlor said.
"While volunteer adult leaders are responsible for the operation of Cadet Groups, the Southport Emergency Services Cadet Group is one of very few Cadet Groups where there is an original member of the group still active in the operation of the Cadet Group.
"Patrick Kyriakides, the Local Cadet Co-ordinator, has held this position for ten years, and I am very pleased to present a Meritorious Service Certificate commemorating this 10 years of service to Patrick here tonight.
"I am also thrilled to be here tonight to present a certificate commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the group to the Cadet Group members as well.
"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."
Mr Lawlor also thanked the families of all volunteers and cadets, for their support.Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 11:00 PM
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