Southern Wheatbelt’s only Youth in Emergency Services cadet program in Narrogin, unique opportunity for teens

Narrogin’s State Emergency Service leaders have developed the southern Wheatbelt’s only Youth in Emergency Services cadets program, giving teenagers a unique opportunity to learn practical life-saving skills. On April 30, 12 cadets aged 11 to 17 and their parents met for their introductory session at the Narrogin SES unit building to form friendships and outline expectations, official training, inductions and code of conduct. The cadets will receive training every Wednesday from 5.30-7pm rotating between the SES, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, St John WA, Bush Fire Brigade and police for four eight-week terms. Narrogin SES local manager and YES chief instructor Susan Wettenhall said the program created a special and rare opportunity for regional young people. “We used to have Army Cadets, Scouts and things like that but they’ve shut down over the years so there’s nothing left for these kids that aren’t into arts, sport or farming,” she said. “There’s a lot of opportunities for the cadets to build their confidence, to be trained in leadership programs. DFES runs an annual cadet leadership camp so they can join that, learning teamwork skills. “It’s really trying to boost everything that we want to instill in our young people.” Ms Wettenhall said the program would hopefully boost emergency service volunteers and inspire young people to consider a career in the field. Following the end of Pingelly’s YES program last year, Narrogin’s cadetship opens the opportunity for town’s youth as well as neighbouring shires. Kondinin’s Bridie Northey joined the Narrogin YES program to build on her firefighting skills as the only youth member in the Kondinin Volunteer Fire and Rescue where her father is the captain. The 16-year-old said Narrogin’s YES program would help build her firefighting skills while connecting her to others her age with similar interests. “It brings a lot of friendship, belonging and fulfilment, you learn you’re one big community,” Bridie said. “I’ve always been the only youth member in the Kondinin brigade, so coming here I’m working with people my age and it’s more friendlier and puts me on the same level as all the other cadets in the State.” Bridie said she wanted to pursue a career in emergency services because of the years of experience and opportunities she’s had volunteering.