For 15-year-old Nate Durand, the PCYC Emergency Services Cadets program is a place where he feels supported, valued and empowered to grow into the person he wants to be.
A proud member of the Redlands City Emergency Services Cadets Unit, Nate joined the program in 2022 after seeing it featured on Totally Wild. Four years later, he has become one of the Unit’s most dedicated cadets, known for his reliability, leadership and willingness to help others.
Today, Nate regularly assists with calling parade, supports younger cadets, participates in Cadet Games and community events, and has attended ESCape Week. His commitment extends beyond Cadets, with active involvement in school leadership, ANZAC commemorations and his local church community.
Finding belonging through cadets
For Nate and his family, one of the most valuable aspects of Cadets has been the sense of belonging it provides.
As a young person with Autism, Nate appreciates the structure, clear expectations and practical learning environment offered through the program. Just as importantly, it has provided a space where he feels accepted for who he is.
“At Cadets I can be myself,” Nate said.
When reflecting on what has been most meaningful about his experience, he shared that it is simply “being in a space I feel myself and accepted.”
His mother agrees.
“Cadets has shown Nate that there is life and people like him outside the school environment, where he can belong,” she said.
Growing into leadership
Through consistent participation and strong relationships with peers and leaders, Nate has developed confidence, communication skills and a growing sense of purpose.
What started as an interest in emergency services has evolved into opportunities to lead, guide others and contribute to his community.
Nate says he now feels “more confident about myself and confident to lead,” whether that’s communicating with others, working as part of a team or stepping forward in leadership opportunities.
During Nate’s time with Redlands City Emergency Services Cadets, the Unit’s Deputy Local Cadet Coordinator at the time observed his development firsthand.
“Nate is one of our most regular cadets,” the Unit Leader said.
“He’s always willing to participate, wears his uniform with pride and regularly steps into leadership roles by instructing and supporting other cadets.”
Building skills for life
The confidence Nate has developed through Cadets is showing up in other aspects of his life too.
At school, he has served as a student representative in Years 9 and 10 and has played a leadership role in ANZAC commemorations. Teachers and family members have also noticed his growing ability to remain calm, communicate effectively and support others during challenging situations.
One example involved Nate helping another student who was struggling emotionally. Remaining calm and focused, he supported the student and encouraged them to access the school’s wellbeing services.
It’s a powerful reflection of the communication, situational awareness and care for others that Cadets helps young people develop.
Inspired by service
The Emergency Services Cadets program has also helped Nate explore future career pathways.
Through hands-on activities, community events, Cadet Games, ESCape Week and interactions with emergency services personnel, he has gained valuable insight into what a life of service could look like.
These experiences have strengthened his interest in careers including paramedicine, nursing, the SES, Marine Rescue Queensland and the Australian Defence Force Reserves.
Along the way, he has also discovered the importance of fitness and wellbeing. Running, hiking and spending time outdoors have become valuable tools for managing stress and building resilience.
Creating positive change
Nate’s story demonstrates the lasting impact of providing young people with a safe, structured and inclusive environment where they can thrive.
Within his Unit, his reliability and willingness to help others set a positive example for younger cadets. Beyond Cadets, he is using the confidence, self-awareness and leadership skills he has developed to make a meaningful contribution at school and in his community.
Most importantly, Cadets has helped Nate discover a place where he belongs.
And in finding that sense of belonging, he has found the confidence to lead, serve and pursue a future dedicated to helping others.
