High schools in southern suburbs encouraged to take part in cadets program

30/4/97

Youth Minister Mike Board today encouraged high schools in the southern suburbs to take advantage of the State Government's highly successful cadets program.

Mr Board said $1.76 million had been allocated in the 1997-98 Budget to enable 40 schools to establish a cadet unit this year.

A total of $11.6 million had been allocated to expand the program during the next four years.

Mr Board said only four cadet units had been established in the southern suburbs.

They were units at Willetton Senior High School, Hamilton SHS, Maddington SHS and South Fremantle SHS.

"During 1997, the cadet program will be expanded and I hope that it will ultimately be available to young people through all high schools in Western Australia," the Minister said.

"I thoroughly recommend the program and openly encourage all high schools in the southern suburbs to take advantage of the many benefits it brings to both the school and community environment."

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

Cadets WA started in 1996, with a pilot program which saw 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.

The State Government provides some funding to support each unit.

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 cadets 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.

The Office of Youth Affairs had also recently developed a comprehensive training package for Police Rangers and the Emergency Services Cadets.

Mr Board said the package was a high-quality training program which contained accredited training courses which were relevant, realistic and interesting to the cadets.

In addition, the training program provided for several optional subjects that would be of benefit to individual young people and the wider school community.

These included courses catering for driver training, sea, search and rescue, life saving and fire wardens.

More information on the Cadets in High School program can be obtained from the Office of Youth, Level 7, 469 Wellington Street, East Perth or by telephoning 264 8444.

Media contact: Peter Harris 222 9211