“Hopefully they will take these qualities out into the community in the future. They can be proud of what they have achieved, just as the school and community have a sense of pride for them.”

Mr Whan was also clearly very pleased to be a part of the graduation, indicating that it was a pleasure to visit the local high school and see the level of activity going on.

The MP also acknowledged that the running of the RFS Cadet Programme was a combined effort of many people, and reiterated that the graduates had demonstrated their community spirit, initiative and leadership by taking part.

“Members of the RFS are exemplary community citizens and I encourage all 16 of these graduates to now build on their new skills and experiences by joining their local RFS brigade,” he said.

Following the presentation of graduation certificates by Mr Whan and Commissioner Fitzsimmons, the graduates themselves presented a token of appreciation to the Monaro RFS’s Sandy Robinson and their Cadet Instructor, Vern Dunning.

This led to a fascinating field demonstration, with the cadets donning their uniforms to showcase some of the practical fire fighting skills they have learnt, including hose drills, pumping water and emergency call out procedures.

This very well received demonstration concluded the graduation proceedings, with the gathering then moving on to the nearby science facilities for a short opening ceremony.

As the group assembled it was explained that the $464,000 project included the refurbishment of two science laboratories and a preparation room, all of which have been highly praised by staff and students alike.

“Science is a popular subject at Bombala High, with 15 students undertaking a science course in the 2008 Higher School Certificate,” Mr Whan said.

He explained that the design of the new science facilities - similar to others around the state - were developed with research and input from head teachers of science for each NSW public education region, as well as curriculum experts and three trial upgrades.

The new labs were toured by the group, with wet and dry areas, fume cupboards, a wheelchair accessible work bench, infrastructure for electronic whiteboards and capacity for further technology all being remarked upon.

“Bombala High School is a fantastic school, providing a quality, comprehensive education for over 35 years, and the NW Government is working hard to provide students and teachers with the best facilities possible,” Mr Whan said.

The MP also ex-pressed great excitement over the coming $1.5 million Trade Training facility that will be built at Bombala High School, confirming that construction is expected to commence in early 2010.