History making cadet parade

Cadets take part in the inaugural 14 Battalion March Out Parade. (Mardi Smith)

History was made on the Sunshine Coast when cadets aged between 13 and 18 years gathered at the Nambour Showgrounds to take part in the first ever 14 Battalion March Out Parade on Sunday 24 November. Cadets from 5 Australian Army Cadet units – 128 ACU Yandina, 106 ACU Caloundra, 101 ACU Kilcoy, 135 ACU Wondai and 177 ACU Nanango spent the Saturday practicing drill, drumming, flag bearing and marching in preparation for the big event on Sunday.

14 AAC BN celebrated the 2024 year in review and farewelled those cadets that were leaving via ageing out by conducting this End of Year Ceremonial Parade.

It was also a great privilege for the cadets to have Brigadier Slaughter, who is the head of Australian Army Cadets for the whole of Australia as our Reviewing Officer. This is an opportunity that most full time soldiers don’t ever get the whole time they are in the ADF.

Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is a premier youth development program that supports young people to become contributing members of society and to develop an interest in the Australian Defence Force.

The values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence shone through over the weekend when Cadets, Staff, DAH’s, dignitaries and parents and supporters celebrated this achievement. Congratulations must also go to CAPT (AAC) Bernadine Onekawa and LT (AAC) Andrew O’Connor, from 128ACU Yandina who were instrumental in organising this event.

Army Cadet Units are always looking for new recruits to join the ranks of cadets and adults to come on board to assist as a staff member or a defence approve helper. This organisation prides itself on developing community spirit and helping todays youth rise to the challenge to become positive members of our Australian community.