THE Queensland government has announced $1.8 million in funding to train a new generation of fire and emergency service personnel and volunteers.
The funds will grow the new number of programs from 14 – these include units at Wolffdene and nearby Redlands – to 25 across the state.
Fire and emergency services minister Craig Crawford announced the funding.
“The future is bright for Queensland’s ability to plan, prepare, respond and recover from disasters – even more so now,” he said.
“The program instills in young people a passion for volunteering, provides practical training and may act as a springboard for those who want to pursue a career in fire and emergency services."
The ESCP is aimed at people aged 12 to 17 years who want to volunteer, help the community and learn emergency response and leadership skills. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services funds the program through a service agreement with Police Citizens Youth Clubs Queensland.
The Queensland government has invested more than $3.1 million in the program since 2014. It has more than 600 members on its books with 204 joining in the 2017-2018 financial year.
QFES commissioner Katarina Carroll said the QFES would work with PCYC Queensland to identify potential locations for the 11 new cadet units.
“We are working with the PCYC Queensland to support existing units and spread the reach of the program into new communities to ensure we can give children a great start in life.
“It changes lives for the better with cadets reporting higher levels of self-confidence, increased rates of secure employment and greater engagement with family and school.”
PCYC Queensland chief executive Phil Schultz said the program had delivered 129 community projects last financial year, equating to more than 5,300 hours of community volunteering.
‘This year will be even more,” he said.
“Together we are building safer, healthier communities through youth development.”
The ESCP also receives in-kind non-financial support from QFES, the Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Police Service, Australian Red Cross, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and Marine Rescue Queensland.
