Launch of youth program encourages volunteering on Thursday Island

The local community of Thursday Island today (Monday) celebrated the official launch of the Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC) Emergency Services Cadets program, encouraging young people to join the ranks of volunteers.

The development program is delivered in partnership with PCYC and Queensland’s emergency services, including Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said the program supported young people making positive life choices, and strengthened ongoing relationships with the emergency services.

“The PCYC is a well-known not-for-profit organisation, working tirelessly and selflessly to provide appropriate, affordable and accessible youth programs and services,” Mr Crawford said.

“The program has had a positive effect on the local community, and I have no doubt that it will continue to develop over the coming years.” 

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the program ensured young people gained important skills, including effective communication, community support and team work.

“Effective support and encouragement goes a long way in keeping young people active, learning new skills and more importantly, giving back to their community,” she said.

“The program has had incredible success state-wide, running out of 14 locations, with more than 120 adult leaders and 450 cadets.”

The groups are now located at Biggenden, Bowen, Childers, Cooroora, Hervey Bay, Hughenden, Inglewood, Mackay, Oxley, Redland City, South Brisbane, Tara, Torres Shire, and Wolffdene.

Thursday Island Station Officer and Local Cadet Coordinator Conor Maguire said the aim of the program – launched in late 2017 - was to develop character, leadership and resilience. 

“It’s inspiring to see the cadets show a level of maturity beyond their years, as well as developing their team work and leadership skills for the future,” Mr Maguire said.

“They’ve only completed a few months of training, but I’m confident they are ready for the future and to start applying what they’ve learnt to real life situations.”

Mr Maguire said the program was free and offered hands-on experience to all the cadets who attend school and board on Thursday Island.

“I’m optimistic they’ll continue volunteering after completing their education,” he said.

“They’ve learnt about public safety and first aid so far, but it’s exciting to see their enthusiasm grow every week.”

PCYC Emergency Services Cadets partner with several Queensland emergency services including QFES, Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), Coast Guard, Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR), the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), and Queensland Police Service (QPS).

ENDS

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