An aunt’s birthday gift – an invitation two years ago to join Inverell SES – led to Andrew Street smiling in the spotlight this week.
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He faced the cameras on Wednesday after receiving the Andy Roberts Memorial Award for outstanding achievement as an SES cadet.
His aunt Victoria Walton who proudly watched on from the sidelines had brought Andrew to an SES meeting on his 16th birthday.
It turned out to be an inspired move.
Andrew said he learnt to deal with people and gained maturity, confidence and the ability to work in a team.
He now has his first aid certificate and a fork lift licence, the licence thanks to the $500 scholarship that came with the trophy.
The award is presented to a NSW SES cadet who has persevered and shown extensive improvement during the program and is in memory of Andy Roberts.
Andy was an advocate for young people who lobbied for the establishment of the NSW SES secondary schools cadet program. He died of cancer in 2007.
Andrew received his award from NSW SES north west region acting regional controller Andrew Galvin and SES NSW volunteer. association president Charlie Moir.
Mr Galvin said Andrew had gone on to join the Inverell SES unit and was becoming a well-respected member, keen to explore all the ways we could develop in the SES, both personally and professionally.
“Well done, Andrew,’’ he said.
On hand to add their congratulations were students and friends from the Southern Cross Distance Education High School and deputy principal Greg Armstrong.
Andrew was one of six year 12 students who graduated from year 12 this week, with a graduation dinner held at the Inverell RSM Club.
NSW SES Secondary Schools Cadet Program is sponsored by Origin.
Origin Energy says it is committed to enlisting the next generation of volunteers by encouraging young Australians to get involved in the NSW SES through the cadet program or by joining a local NSW SES Unit directly from the age of 16.
The aim of the cadet program is to provide students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to achieve an understanding of the NSW State Emergency Service and its role in the community.
The specific goals of the program are:
To provide progressive, interesting and challenging training that encourages the development of positive personal and team characteristics among participants;
To encourage the idea of achieving success in life through the spirit of service to Australia and commitment within the local community;
To provide an understanding of emergency services.