Mel Evans, Emma Cleal and Cara Disint are ready to undertake their new role as volunteer PAD instructors
New concrete areas, updated gas training props and enhanced water delivery systems means Wangaratta Campus will support volunteer training well into the future.
Practical Area Drill (PAD) staff and volunteer instructors are getting ready to deliver skills maintenance training sessions to the volunteers of North East Region.
Volunteers were invited to nominate as volunteer PAD instructors to attend the weekend course which included an induction to the site and detailed explanations of the processes behind a successful training session at the campus.
Twenty new volunteer instructors from brigades in districts 12, 22, 23 and 24 were introduced to their new role by PAD Supervisor Richard Gardner and PAD Operator Steven McDonald on Saturday, while Sunday was a day for new and existing volunteer instructors to meet each other and share experiences.
The day was spent understanding the PAD area and discussing the 70-odd possible training scenarios that could be accomplished, in order to deliver the brigades' desired outcomes of any training session.
“It was a brilliant weekend” Cara Disint (Mooroopna Brigade) said, “it’s incredible to see how much time, effort and thought has gone into the redevelopment of the training ground. Between the facility and the high commitment of staff, the learning opportunities are endless”. Clayton Henderson of Killawarra Brigade said “A highlight of the weekend, was seeing the diversity of members and experience in one room”.
Feedback received from Mark Massey of Rutherglen after attending the 2 day induction stated, “the PAD, amenities, props and improvements are very impressive, though for me the respect and discipline shown by the PAD Staff for the place is also very impressive (this was evident prior to redevelopment works as well). It is obvious the leadership of the team has instilled this into the respectful and humble way in which everything and everyone is treated, it is also obvious to me as a new PAD instructor that this standard must and will be maintained (it is good old school respect and we try and drive this culture)”.
The pool of Volunteer Instructors are looking forward to getting into their role, sharing their experience and mentoring the many volunteers that they will work with.
If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer PAD instructor, please contact your local Training Coordinator.