Cadets
Age
The emergency services cadet program is a high school aged program, available to young people who have commenced year 8 and are up to 16 years of age.
Existing cadets can continue to serve within the Cadet Group until they reach 18 years of age.
Persons 16 years and over are not able to join as a cadet. Any person 16 years or over wishing to join should be referred to other local Emergency Services.
Enrolment of Cadets
To qualify for enrolment as an Emergency Services Cadet the young person must:
- Have commenced grade 8 at high school but not reached the age of 16 years;
- Have their parent’s or guardian’s permission to enrol;
- Be a resident of Australia; and
- Be certified by their parent or guardian as being capable of carrying out the normal duties and activities of the Emergency Services Cadets.
Medical Conditions
The parent or guardian of each applicant seeking enrolment is to complete a medical details form that is to be submitted with the enrolment form.
When a cadet has a medical condition, it is mandatory that a medical certificate, paid for by the parent/guardian, be supplied with the enrolment form. This medical certificate, must clearly state any restrictions that should be placed on the cadet’s activities within the Cadet Group.
Local Cadet Coordinators are to examine the medical details form and medical certificate to determine the applicant’s medical suitability to join the Emergency Services Cadet Group.
It is to be clearly understood that applicants should not be rejected from enrolment on medical grounds unless there is:
- Absolutely no role in the Cadet Group for a person with the particular medical condition the applicant possesses; or
- The medical certificate issued by the medical practitioner clearly states that the applicant has a medical condition, which prevents participation in Cadet Group activities.
Probationary Period
When cadets enrol in the Emergency Services Cadet Program they are required to complete a six-week probation period. At the end of that period, the Local Cadet Coordinator and another leader will conduct an interview with the cadet to determine the suitability of that prospective member to continue.
Code of Conduct
Cadets are expected to abide by the principles outlined within the ‘Code of Conduct’ for Emergency Services Cadet Program members.
The cadet and their parent/guardian, sign the ‘Code of Conduct’ as an agreement to conduct themselves within these standards.
Failure for cadets to abide by the principles outlined within the ‘Code of Conduct’ will result in disciplinary action and possible termination of membership.
Uniforms and Appearance
The Emergency Services Cadet Program expects all its members to present themselves in a positive manner. All members of the Emergency Services Cadet Program are to ensure that their clothing and accessories are maintained to a high standard.
Clothing Issued
Clothing issued to members of the Emergency Services Cadet Program includes:
- 1 Light blue shirt;
- 1 Light blue T-shirt;
- 1 Navy blue trouser;
- 1 Navy blue broad brimmed hat;
- 1 Black-webbing belt;
- 1 Pair navy socks;
- 1 Pair black GP boots;
- 1 Baseball style cap; and
- 1 Pair dark blue overalls.
Uniforms will only be issued after joining members have satisfactorily completed a probation period of six weeks.
Wet or cold weather clothing is not issued. It is acknowledged that members may have to wear personal clothing with their uniform from time to time. Members are encouraged to be as colour coordinated and matching as is economically possible when wearing personal clothing in conjunction with the cadet uniform.
Return of Items
All issued clothing shall be returned in a clean and pressed condition when a member leaves the group.
Cost to Cadets
The Emergency Services Cadet Program is free to join and there are no ongoing fees. Uniforms and working clothes are supplied free of charge although parents/guardians may be asked to supply some food and transport for the twice-yearly camps.
Last updated 02 May 2004