Jurien Bay teacher makes her mark on emergency services

Jurien Bay District High School teacher Danielle Ryder is being recognised for making a difference both in the classroom and on the frontline, taking out the inaugural WA Fire and Emergency Services Young Person of the Year Award.

The WA Fire and Emergency Services (WAFES) Awards acknowledge the achievements of volunteers, career firefighters and Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) staff who have shown exceptional dedication to duty over the past 12 months.

Miss Ryder, who teaches social studies, is a dedicated volunteer firefighter at Jurien Bay Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, a firefighter and training officer at Jurien Bay Fire and Rescue, and a unit leader at Jurien Bay Emergency Cadet Corps.

She was recognised for her mentoring work and for strengthening the pathways for the new wave of emergency services volunteers.

Miss Ryder recognised a gap between the Emergency Services Cadet Corps participation and active adult membership, so she designed, facilitated and coordinated transition training that better equips young volunteers with the skills they need to join a brigade.

In the past year, 19 young people have joined volunteer emergency services, which has reduced training pressure on local brigades.

Miss Ryder won the Volunteer Firefighting Young Person of the Year Award, which recognises an exceptional volunteer firefighter under the age of 28 who has stood out amongst their peers as capable and extraordinary in the last 12 months.

Then, against the other three young person category winners, she was announced as the inaugural WAFES Young Person of the Year Award, which is now the pinnacle recognition of young people in this field.

Miss Ryder said she was surprised and honoured to be named the inaugural winner of the award.

“I see the award as a reflection of the incredible work being done across the state by the Youth in Emergency Services team and the incredible opportunities the program has provided me and my cadet unit,” she said.

“I'm fortunate to work with a great team of cadets, volunteers and mentors who invest a lot of time into developing the next generation of community leaders.

“I first became involved because I wanted to contribute to my community and learn practical skills.

“Over time, that led to working with the Jurien Bay Emergency Services Cadet Corps, where I help coordinate training, support cadets to develop emergency service skills, build confidence and leadership, and encourage them to become active members of their community.”

The school is involved in the Cadets WA program through the Department of Communities, which allows students the opportunity to develop leadership and other skills.

Principal Myrissa Dix said the award is a significant achievement and a well-deserved recognition for the work she does as a volunteer in our community.

“Through her role as a Cadet Leader, Danielle provides our students with a great example of what it means to serve and contribute to their community,” Miss Dix said.

“She gives them the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork and a strong sense of community responsibility.

“It’s wonderful to see the next generation of volunteers coming through our school and continuing that strong tradition of community service.”

Miss Ryder said seeing the growth of young people through the cadet program has been incredibly rewarding, and she is incredibly proud of them.

“Watching cadets develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership skills, and then go on to contribute to their communities, is what motivates me most. The program has a positive impact not only on the cadets but also on the wider community,” she said.

“Their enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to help others give me great confidence in the future of our community.

“I hope they [my students] see that everyone has something valuable to contribute to their community. Through volunteering and the cadet program, young people can develop practical skills, leadership qualities and a sense of responsibility.

“I want students to know that they don't have to wait until they're older to make a positive difference.”

There is more information about the awards on the DFES website.