Last week witnessed all of the current Tirkandi young fellas participating in a 3-day Cadet Program facilitated by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The program included basic firefighting skills, fire safety, first aid, cultural burning practices and numerous other educational and community-minded activities.

The participants were kitted out in the full RFS gear each day, and got stuck in to each and every activity with gusto and commitment. There were 2 volunteers and staff from the MIA District as well as the Indigenous Brewarrina and Bourke Mitigation Crews who assisted with the delivery of the program, under the direction of the Operational Officer Deanne Bailey.

The program finished with a Graduation ceremony for all participants, which was witnessed by Tirkandi staff, participant family members, RFS leadership and local dignitaries. The Tirkandi participants then performed a traditional cultural dance for those attending, which was delivered with passion and skill from all involved.

This was the first time this Cadet program has been facilitated at Tirkandi and the benefit to the participants was clear to see – hopefully this is something we can make a regular program component moving forwards!!!!

Massive thanks to the NSW RSF crew for their delivery of the program and the fantastic and life-saving work they continue to deliver through NSW and Australia!!