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// life style Local student wins RFS Cadet of the Year by Penny Webb Colo High School student Timothy Pedley was awarded the prestigious NSW Rural Fire Service Cadet of the Year Award at a special ceremony at NSW Parliament House last month hosted by Minister for Emergency Services, David Mitchell. The award is for young cadets who display leadership skills and promote the values of volunteering and community service. “It is clear Timothy is a young leader who recognises the value of community participation, hard work and camaraderie and I thank him for his commitment to our volunteer emergency services,” Mr Elliott said. Timothy was named 2014 NSW RFS Cadet of the Year for being the ‘backbone’ of the cadet program and an enthusiastic role model who organised extra training sessions and helped other cadets. More than 6500 students have completed the NSW RFS Secondary Schools Cadet Program since it began in 2005 and more than 2400 students have completed the NSW SES Secondary Schools Cadet Program since 2008. Tim Serie, the Learning and Development Officer at Hawkesbury Rural Fire Service helps co-ordinate the local cadet program “This program has run for several years statewide. The goal is to engage high school aged children and teach fire-fighting skills, fire appreciation and awareness and motivate young people to help out in the community,” Tim explains. The program runs over several school terms with a graduation ceremony held at the end of the program where all cadets are awarded certificates. “It’s a great feeder program for the Rural Fire Service. Lots Commissioner of the RFS, Shane Fitzimmons shakes Timothy’s hand of the cadets end up joining various brigades with their friends,” Tim says. He believes it’s the collaborative approach that makes the local program so successful. “It’s a true community driven program. All the brigades in the district are involved and we also do training days with the SES and Fire Rescue NSW.” Timothy Pedley was nominated locally by the Hawkesbury RFS for Cadet of the NSW RFS Cadet of the Year, Timothy Pedley (right) with Minister for Year. A panel Emergency Se rvices David Mitchell (centre) and NSW SES Cadet of representing the Year Kodie Hardy (left). the NSW Emergency skills, knowledge and practical Services sifted through the hundreds experience that greatly assist young of nominations before the winners people transition into the workforce were announced. and we thank the teachers, cadet The awards were presented to the coordinators and emergency services cadets by Parliamentary Secretary volunteers who have dedicated a for Veterans and the Centenary of the significant amount of time to training ANZAC Daryl Maguire. young people,’ Mr Maguire said. “These programs provide great Congratulations Timothy! Dreaming of a new home? We found it for you.... Choose from our many designs for: Single Storey Double Storey Duplex Designs Granny Flats Acreage Designs Custom Designs Professional Builder since 1992 Display Home: 86 Bradley Street, Mulgoa Rise Estate, Glenmore Park. Phone: Peter on 1300 146 637 or 4737 2027 Because a home belongs to all the family! 16 ISSUE 61 // June 2015 www.roselea.com.au HAWKESBURY DISTRICT INDEPENDENT NEWS www.hdinews.com.au