- Department of Fire and Emergency Services Youth Programs Awards winners announced at biennial celebration
- Cadets and their mentors rewarded for contribution to emergency services
- Eight award categories include WA's top cadets, units, instructors and host school
- Cook Government committed to building safe and inclusive communities
Two young people from Quinns Rocks and Tom Price were named emergency services Cadets of the Year at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Youth Programs Awards gala dinner at Optus Stadium last night.
Patrick Wake and Kale Guthrie were selected from almost 3,000 young people from the Emergency Services Cadet Corp (ESCC), Youth in Emergency Services (YES) and Brigade, Group and Unit (BGU) cadet programs.
At just 16 years of age, Kale is the cadet unit leader for Tom Price ESCC and in the last year alone has given up 173 hours of his time to help keep his community safe, including a quick-thinking rescue that saved the life of a seriously injured person at a local event.
Eighteen-year-old Patrick was the deputy cadet unit leader with the Quinns Rocks YES unit and is renowned for his exceptional commitment to training, which sets a high standard for his peers.
Recently he took time away from work to deploy to the Kimberley where he assisted with responses to fires at Geegully Creek and Lake Argyle.
Wongan Hills District High School was named 2025 top ESCC Cadet Unit with an impressive 90 per cent of the school's students part of the program.
DFES Youth Programs build resilience and leadership in children as young as 11 with hands-on experience that prepares them for what it takes to be a first responder.
The awards not only recognise the outstanding commitment and determination of young people but also their instructors and volunteers who provide guidance and mentorship to cadets that give them the confidence to succeed.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"The achievements of these young people and their instructors highlights the importance of the next generation in shaping the future of emergency services.
"It takes incredible maturity and dedication to take part in these programs and the leadership demonstrated by the cadets embodies what it takes to service your community.
"On behalf of the State Government, I would like to congratulate the cadets, instructors and volunteers for their dedication and commitment to emergency services."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"I applaud all of the cadets for their contribution to keeping Western Australians safe.
"Volunteering at an early age can set young people up for a bright future and through these programs they can build invaluable life skills and unique friendships.
"Our cadets have developed their teamwork, discipline, resilience, decision-making, communication and leadership, which shows they already embody the spirit of emergency services."
DFES YOUTH AWARDS:
Cadet Achievement Award
Patrick Wake, Quinns Rocks YES
Kale Guthrie, Tom Price Senior High School ESCC
Instructor Achievement Award
Elfrieda Linz, Pemberton YES
Natalie Harris, John Tonkin College Education Support Unit ESCC
Cadet Unit Achievement Award
Coolup Bush Fire Brigade
Wongan Hills District High School ESCC
ESCC Host School Award
Tom Price Senior High School
Emergency Services BGU Support Award
Wongan Hills Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
