The young people in PCYC Queensland’s Emergency Services Cadets (ESC) program are nothing short of inspiring.
They’re stepping up in big ways, and proof that the future is in good hands: in the past year, they’ve rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand during natural disasters, learned life-saving skills, and taken on leadership roles within their communities.
When ex Cyclone Alfred swept across Southeast Queensland in March, communities prepared for flooding and long nights of hard work.
Among those stepping forward to help were three ESC units, activated to support their local SES teams by filling sandbags and helping prepare their towns for severe weather. The cadets took on tasks usually handled by trained volunteers, freeing SES crews to deal with urgent jobs such as tarping roofs and responding to emergency calls.
The spirit that drove those cadets into action is the same spirit shown by Jack Daw, ESC participant who, with his father, rescued a man from a burning vehicle near Gin Gin, pulling him to safety moments before the car was fully engulfed.
His courage, leadership and calm response reflect the values that sit at the heart of the ESC philosophy.
The ESC program provides young people with a safe, fun and inclusive environment that offers them practical life skills and leadership opportunities. It is delivered in partnership with QPS and QFES and is usually based out of local emergency service facilities. Cadets try everything from first aid and search and rescue to radio comms, K9 demos and team challenges. Led by volunteer Adult Leaders and supported by real emergency services crews, the program helps young people build confidence, make friends and discover what it’s like to be part of the emergency services community, whether as a volunteer or in a future career.
One of the highlights each year is ESCape Week, a hands-on adventure where cadets try marine rescue, water safety challenges, search scenarios, fire equipment training and even sessions with Polair and the bomb squad.
Program Coordinator Kerrieann Ruatoka said her favourite part was watching the students stretch themselves.
“There is such a great sense of connection, energy and growth. It is really rewarding to hear the positive feedback from both students and staff about the impact the program is having,” she said.
That same sense of teamwork is carried into the annual Cadet Games, held in Brisbane and Townsville. Cadets from PCYC Queensland, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Australian Army Cadets, Royal Australian Air Force Cadets and Australian Navy Cadets participate in activities that tested communication, skill and problem solving.
ESC Program Manager Sue Bernard described the event as busy, exciting and full of connection.
“The day is all about the young people getting together with cadets from other organisations and making connections in a fun way, and of course plenty of competitive spirit,” she said.
Last month, PCYC Yarrabah’s Youth Leadership Team (YLT) did a ReefClean with Tangaroa Blue. They removed more than 100kg of marine debris from the reef, sorting, recycling and disposing of it. The YLT worked hard, ensuring the largest marine debris haul of any ReefClean at Green Island over the past 20 years!
Some of the debris found were small bleach bottles all the way from South-East Asia. Bleach bottles are squirted into the ocean to stun exotic fish, by people hoping to capture and sell them. The bottles are discarded and wash up in a range of faraway places – including here in Queensland.
The YLT also found a tuna tracker that had come off a tuna boat and was taken back to the mainland to be reused.
Well done to our Yarrabah Youth Leadership Team!
One of PCYC Innisfail’s shining lights is Shaz, a determined teenager whose inspirational journey has transformed adversity into opportunity.
Shaz is always brimming with boundless energy and an infectious smile, finding solace and purpose in PCYC’s Boxing After Dark and Drop In programs during challenging times in her personal life. She’s become a beloved and active participant and is now giving back to the community and becoming a leader herself.
Nervous on her first day of boxing, Shaz said Sgt Mick Maguire’s booming voice kept her in line, but over time Sgt Mick has become a big supporter and mentor to Shaz.
Shaz’s connection with PCYC began early, in Year 5, through PCYC’s Team Up program at Innisfail State School. Her engagement deepened in Year 6 with the Bluelights Blue Edge program, as well as her regular attendance at Boxing After Dark and Drop In sessions. It was during these Drop Ins that her talent and passion for gymnastics truly emerged.
This year marks another significant milestone for Shaz as she proudly joined PCYC’s Youth Leadership Team (YLT). Shaz has chosen to dedicate her volunteer hours towards achieving her Gymnastics Coach qualification. This will no doubt unlock a wealth of future possibilities, promising greater engagement, further education, and employment prospects within PCYC’s gymnastics programs.
Shaz is enjoying training to become a gymnastics coach and extending her abilities.
“My favourite part is teaching the younger kids and truly getting to know their individual personalities,” she said.
Shaz’s story is a powerful reminder that with resilience, the right support, and a place to nurture one’s talents, young people can not only overcome obstacles but also achieve their dreams.
The PCYC Innisfail community couldn’t be prouder of this remarkable young woman and eagerly anticipates all the incredible things she will accomplish.
Shaz recommends other young people Drop In to PCYC.
“Take the leap! You’re guaranteed to meet a lot of new faces and leave with unforgettable memories,” she said.
