Who are CFS cadets?

The CFS accepts young men and women aged between 11 -18 years to be cadet members. However, if you are 16 years of age you can talk with your brigade captain and decide if you want to remain as a cadet OR become a senior member of the brigade in an operational or non-operational capacity.

What do cadets do?

Cadets are involved in a whole range of activities:

Introduction to basic firefighting

Learn basic skills in firefighting, pump operations, hose drills, radio and communications, search and rescue and eveyone's favourite, riding in the fire trucks.

Community activities

Get involved in street parades and other local events as well as help out on community projects and other fundraising actiivities.

Fun activities

Go on camps with up to 100 other young people, attend special activities, state firefighting competitions, go-karting, movies and more!

Other related activities

Achieve your Duke of Edinburgh Award or make your training count for part of your SACE development.

Why do nearly 1000 young people belong to the CFS?

Here are what a handful of current CFS cadets say when asked about what they enjoy about being a CFS cadet member:

• Using the hoses
• Riding on the trucks
• Having a great time learning new stuff
• Making new friends
• To have a great time

Information specifically for parents and caregivers

Insurance
The cadets are covered by the CFS Public Liability Insurance at all times whilst undertaking CFS approved activities.

Leaders
The leaders of the cadet programs are police checked in order to hold their positions; abide by the Child Protection Policy incorporating an adult leader code of conduct; receive training in working with young people; abide by the ratios of 1:5 for operational training and 1:2 for firefighter training and always have a minimum of two leaders present at training

Paperwork
There are some records required of cadets: CFS membership form, brigade application form and medical form. Whenever cadets undertake special training outside of normal brigade training they may need to fill in a special activity form. Parents/caregivers are expected to sign these records if the cadet member is to attend.

Parent/caregiver support
Cadets often take part in a range of special activities. Assistance is welcomed from time to time in the form of supervision, paperwork and organising cadets for events etc

Why not join the CFS yourself?
The CFS is always looking for motivated and dedicated people - if this sounds like you then when you go along to drop off your cadets(s) why not think about becoming a member yourself? One of the current cadet leaders joined CFS two years ago - a mother of six children, cadet leader and brigade firefighter ... so why not give it a go?