Late October was full of energy, learning, and teamwork at the ESA Training Centre in Hume, where we ran the ACT Mentor Induction and Fire & Resilience Program. Big thanks to ACT emergency services and the NAB Foundation for helping make this happen!
Why the ACT?
Canberra has a huge appetite for hands-on learning about fire and emergency services. After successful Queanbeyan programs, we knew the ACT community was ready for more.
- 32 participants signed up – and 25 more were on the waitlist!
- 18 mentors trained to guide the day.
- Seven agencies joined in, bringing trucks, gear, and loads of expertise. We lve their multi-agency approach!
It was an amazing mix of young people, mentors, and emergency services teams coming together to learn, connect, and have fun.
What did we set out to do?
The goals were simple:
- Get our mentors ready to support participants with confidence.
- Give young people (14–19 years old) a hands-on taste of fire and emergency work.
- Build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Show participants the wide range of volunteering and career options in emergency services.
- Create a fun, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and empowered.
How did we do it?
Day 1 – Mentor Induction (30 October)
18 mentors joined us for training, learning what to expect and how to support participants. They were prepared, friendly, and ready to make the day a success.
Day 2 – Fire & Resilience Program (31 October)
Where: ESA Training Centre, Hume – spacious, shaded, and perfect for hands-on learning.
Who:
- 32 participants from 14 schools
- Culturally diverse group: Middle Eastern, Caucasian, European, Asian, Pacific Islander, African
- 7 agencies: ACT Fire & Rescue, ACT Parks, ACT SES, ACT Ambulance, ACT ESA, Forestry, Ventia
Activities:
- Hosework & extinguishers
- Rescue & first aid
- FLAME VR fire training
- Tools and equipment sessions
- Team relays & challenges
- Storm, flood, and land management activities
Venue highlights:
- Plenty of agency resources
- Water supply for hose activities
- Shaded rehab areas to cool down
- Big open spaces for teamwork
Challenges:
- Some agency staff arrived late without induction
- Large participant numbers made the final rotation tricky
- No bush area for land management activities
What resulted?
Energy & morale: Off the charts! Participants rated it 5/5, staying excited, engaged, and ready to try everything.
Participant feedback highlights:
|
Theme |
What they said |
|
Inclusion & Belonging |
“Felt sooo included♡” |
|
Mentors |
“I loved the mentors.” “Kind mentors.” |
|
Hands-on Activities |
“So much fun! I loved getting to go around to activities.” “Love the VR and hoses.” |
|
Energy |
“Energy is fantastic!” |
|
Team Spirit |
“Green Team is the dream team ever!!!” “Team Bluey! Winner winner chicken dinner.” |
|
Confidence |
“Uplifting, empowering, capable, strong.” |
|
Opportunities |
“Highly likely to volunteer in the community.” |
|
Food |
“FOOD was da bomb. Yummy in ma tummy!!!!!” |
Key takeaways:
- Young people loved learning by doing.
- Mentors made everyone feel welcome.
- Participants want longer or multi-day camps.
- Interest in volunteering and career pathways in emergency services is high.
Agency support:
ACT Fire & Rescue and all agencies brought creativity, energy, and expertise. Their staff made the program safe, exciting, and memorable.
Participating Schools (Alphabetical)
|
Alfred Deakin High School |
Kingsford Smith School |
|
Amaroo |
Lanyon High School |
|
Campbell High School |
Melrose High School |
|
Canberra College |
Mount Stromlo High School |
|
Caroline Chisholm School |
Narrabundah College |
|
Gold Creek High School |
Wanniassa High School |
|
Gold Creek School (Senior Site) |
Hawker College |
Thank You, ACT!
A huge shout-out to everyone who made the day possible:
- ACT Emergency Services and all participating agencies
- ACT Fire & Rescue, ACT Parks, ACT SES, ACT Ambulance, ACT ESA, Forestry, Ventia
- Our mentors and volunteers
- NAB and the NAB Foundation for funding and supporting the program
Because of you, young people left the day energised, confident, and inspired. We can’t wait to do it all again!
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