ST JOHN AMBULANCE CADETS

Molong Cadet Division

Molong Cadet Division has been operating for 24 years, providing opportunities for local youth to learn First Aid, resuscitation (CPR) skills and how to use a defibrillator. Personal development is enhanced through camps, leadership courses, first aid community duties and specialised courses. Cadet’s work is recognised through achievement awards and appropriate insignia on their uniform.

In 2019, St John Ambulance awards for Molong Cadets included Western Region Cadet Leader of the Year awarded to Jade Kirk, Membership of the Order of St John to Charlotte Cassell and John Burchett and a promotion to Officer in the Order to Julie Dean. Phil Donato MP for Orange presented Betty Newstead with the “Hidden Treasures” Certificate which recognises the outstanding voluntary work completed by Rural Women. Betty’s citation (story) appears in the “Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for 2019” booklet.

Cadet meetings commenced for Officers and Leaders on the 30th January with a planning session. Special new manikins will be used to instruct members in Resuscitation  (CPR) and defibrillation. In order to understand how CPR and Defibrillation can work in an emergency and save lives eg Greg Page the yellow wiggle, Cadets will learn about the organs and functions of the human body. Can YOU Save a Life? A Trivia challenge will be conducted later in the term to check skills and knowledge, we may even challenge the local Ambulance staff. There is a lot planned for a busy year ahead with a First Aid duty on the 29/2/2020, Touch Football Carnival in Parkes and a fundraising Street Stall on the 1st May.

Every year we attend the Western Region Youth Camp which this year will be held at Lake Burrendong Sport and Recreation Camp from the 14th -18th April and hosted by the Molong and Broken Hill Cadet Divisions. The Camp fee for Juniors and Cadets 8-17 years of age is $341, and over 18YO $442.  This is a wonderful opportunity for Juniors and Cadets as only $85.25 a day pays for accommodation in dormitories, all meals, and a fully staffed outdoor education day program with evening activities. Beside yourself and your personal luggage all you need to bring will be a sleeping bag and bottom sheet for the bunk bed. Everything else is provided along with fully trained staff to help you safely challenge yourself in a range of activities to develop your leadership skills and personal growth as you mix and make friends with other St John members from the Western region. A separate newsletter will provide specific camp details later; at present we need parents to give an indication of numbers attending to confirm the camp.

Students, who want to join our team, are welcome to attend the meeting on the13th February with their family to sign up. This Parent’s night will allow you to ask questions and find out information about St John Ambulance. Junior members are aged 8 -11 years, Cadets 11 - 18 and Cadet Leaders and Officers are over 18 years of age.

Cadet Meetings are held in Molong Central School Hall on Thursday evenings during the school term from 6 – 8pm, Junior and Cadet fees are $2 a meeting night.

For further information contact Mrs Julie Dean on 63668559 or 0437307540.