The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Cooma-Monaro Unit celebrated the graduation of nine interns at a presentation night held last Wednesday, September 17, following the successful completion of the SES Youth Internship Program conducted alongside other SES units across NSW. The event, which marked the program’s second year of operation at Cooma-Monaro SES was attended by prominent community leaders, including Chris Hanna, Mayor of the Snowy Monaro Regional Council, alongside Deputy Mayor, Tricia Hopkins and Matthew Price, NSW SES Deputy Zone Commander for the South Eastern Zone.
PHOTO: Nine local youths have graduated the SES Youth Internship Program CREDIT: Cooma-Monaro SES
The program, aimed at Year 9 and 10 students, offers valuable exposure to emergency services and fosters essential skills for future community service.
During the seven-week program, students engaged in diverse activities designed to enhance their leadership and teamwork abilities. They received training in areas such as map reading, casualty handling, and flood safety awareness. The curriculum also included visits from various emergency services, providing insights into their operations and roles.
A spokesperson for Cooma-Monaro SES said, “Both Mayor Chris Hanna and Superintendent Matt Price encouraged the youth to continue learning while delivering a message about the value of volunteering and giving back to the community.”
Year 7-10 Coordinator Lou Mackay from St Patrick’s Parish School and James Armitage, Principal of Monaro High School, joined parents and families on the night to acknowledge the dedication and achievements of the young interns.
The graduates of this year’s program are as follows:
1. Annabel Wilkins – St Patrick’s Parish School
2. Benjamin Fox – Monaro High School
3. Connor Kimbell – Monaro High School
4. Pahanma Perera – St Patrick’s Parish School
5. Kai Pietrass-Wong – Snowy Mountains Grammar School
6. Mel Valverde Ramirez – Monaro High School
7. Senudi Abeysinghe – St Patrick’s Parish School
8. Thomas Campbell – Monaro High School
9. Ryker Bentlin