The second round of the Next Generation multicultural schools program commenced in District 8 with a field trip to Dandenong Fire Station. This involved students from Fountain Gate and Glen Eagles secondary colleges who come from various multicultural backgrounds.
This program aims to bring together emergency services personnel and young people from a CALD background to give them an insight about what emergency services and other community-based services do. The program seeks to support communities that are potentially vulnerable in an emergency, and encourage positive participation and as a result enable them to have a better understanding of dangers and what to do.
The day consisted of setting up an emergency situation with a car accident and smoke in a building. The student played the part of the responding units and an evacuation of someone from the building.
SES showed the students their vehicles and explained what they do with casualties at incidents and the use of stretchers as well as other activities that they are involved in.
Victoria Police had two vehicles present, one of them being a highway patrol unit, and explained the different duties conducted by police personnel.
Australian Federal Police showed the students riot gear and had them dress up and run mock crowd control and explain what their processes were.
Catering for the day was provided by Sharon Ramsey from Dandenong Neighbourhood House using the Narre Warren Catering Unit and Rapid Relief Team.
The day finished with members from Dandenong conducting a car cut.
The students who attended on the day had a great time and feedback from the agencies and teaching staff was very positive.
The program will continue in term 2 with incursions to the schools by all agencies covering topics such as 000, home fire safety, drink driving, role of agencies, cyber bullying and what to do in emergencies in more detail.