Clarkson Community High School commended on cadet program

June 7, 1997

The Coalition Government wants all high schools in Western Australia to be able to access its highly successful cadets program.

Speaking at the Clarkson Community High School's emergency services cadet corps march-out parade, Mr Board said the program had rapidly expanded since it began last year.

Thirty-four schools had established units and another six would be established by the end of this year, involving about 2,500 cadets and adult instructors.

Many more schools had expressed interest in starting a unit.

"Ultimately, the State Government would like to see the program made available to young people through all high schools in WA," Mr Board said.

"The final decision always remains with the individual school but the State Government is committed to this successful program and has allocated $11.6 million to expand it during the next four years."

Inspecting the march-out parade, Mr Board praised the efforts of the school's unit, its co-ordinator John Triplett and school administrators.

"This is a brand new school in a new area and the commitment shown by the young people to their unit has been fantastic," he said.

"The unit is a great credit to each individual member and to the dedication of Mr Triplett and school principal Robyn White.

"I congratulate all involved with the Clarkson Community High School emergency services cadet corps and wish them well for the future.

"I hope the unit grows in number and the members greatly benefit from the personal development training they receive."

Cadets WA started in February, 1996, with a pilot program including 11 cadet units established in high schools throughout WA.

The program - directed at youth between the ages of 13 and 17 - aimed to give young people the opportunity to participate in personal development training that:

·      provided practical life skills;

·      developed leadership, teamwork and initiative skills; and -

·      fostered qualities of community responsibility and service.

Mr Board said both Government and private schools had now established units in the metropolitan area and in several country regions, as far south as Ravensthorpe and north to Broome.

"The State Government is proud to be involved in the cadets program and is encouraged by the positive comments received from parents, youth and the wider school community," he said.

"Understandably, there is great interest in our program, not only from all other States and Territories but from other countries."

Mr Board said the Government had broadened its cadet program to include the State's emergency services agencies, such as the State Emergency Service, WA Fire and Rescue Service, the WA Bush Fires Board, the Police Service and the St John Ambulance.

Navy, Army and Air Force cadet programs were also available.

Mr Board said an independent evaluation of the pilot program late last year found it was highly successful and provided young people with training in a range of areas which helped to maintain their skills and initiative.

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699 or pager: 9480 5614