Cadets 

ANZAC DAY CEREMONIES

2020 saw all of Australia ‘lighting up the dawn’ as we stood ‘together’ in our driveways remembering the men and women of the Australian & New Zealand Army Corps. It was a welcome relief to know that this year we could support our local RSL’s and their ceremonies in person. 

We had 8 Cadets, led by the Unit RSM Ben Read and 2 Cadet staff attend the Hamilton march. Cadets were part of the Flag party and assisted in the laying of wreaths. Whilst another 8 cadets led by the Unit ADJT Charlotte McAdam took post around the Coleraine Cenotaph during the ceremony.

For many years, the Cadet band has travelled to Melbourne to march and play in the ANZAC day parade. They would spend two full days rehearsing and carrying out marching practice to be ready for the parade. Due to the pandemic last year and the restrictions this year, we were unable to send our Band. We look forward to the band returning to the streets of Melbourne in 2022.

ANNUAL CADET CAMP

The year is certainly flying by and only a matter of days see the start of the Annual Cadet camp. We are gearing up this Friday with an Advance Party heading out to start setting up camp prior to the arrival of the whole Unit.

We have had many questions about camp and the expectations of being a Cadet. We appreciate your support in contacting us to ensure that your child feels comfortable in heading out next week. The weather is looking mild with cold mornings, so I do suggest that you ensure your child has warm clothing for overnight and the early mornings.

Things to remember:

• Confirm with your child whether you will be coming to the Cadet Mass on the Wednesday night and bringing dinner to share with them. We will need confirmation from your child on Monday at camp for catering purposes.
• Your child’s clothing is placed in plastic bags in their gear bag so that it stays dry.
• If your child is scuba diving, check PAM to give consent.
• Any medication (enough for the week) is to be in a Ziplock bag with original pharmacy label and clearly labelled with their name.
• On the first day of Camp, Cadets are to supply their own food and drinks  Dinner will be supplied. No food with any traces of nuts or nut products are allowed.
• TWO full bottles of water in their webbing or backpack, before departure from School.

Wednesday night mass

The Annual Cadet bush Liturgy is held on Wednesday night at 6.30pm. Parents and immediate family members only of cadets are cordially invited to attend the Liturgy and afterwards share dinner with your child. Dinner is after Mass so please consider what you are bringing out and how it will be kept warm.

Parents are welcome to visit the camp site after Mass, please bring a torch for use on the walk in the dark.  However, we ask that Parents and families members have left the campsite by 9.00pm.

The Liturgy is held close to the entry of the camp. Car parking signs will be clearly visible near the site of the Liturgy, near the entrance. We ask that you follow the signs, and any directions, given to you by the car park attendants during the evening. NO vehicles are to be driven up to the camp area. 

DIRECTIONS TO CADET CAMP. (McCutcheon’s Road, Victoria Point)

Head East (towards Dunkeld!) on Ballarat road.

1. Turn left at ROBSONS Rd. (Third road on the left after RMIT)
2. Turn Right at crossroads onto Strathkellar Rd-heading towards Dunkeld
3. Turn Left onto the Victoria Point Road
4. Travel about 18km, over the Cavendish-Dunkeld Rd crossroads
5. Directly after the bridge, turn Left on McCutcheon’s Road.
6. Travel along McCutcheon’s Road about 1.1 kilometres. The entrance to the camp is on the right. The Monivae banner will be on the fence next to the gate. Please close the gate after you.
7. Whilst driving your vehicle within the camp site, turn on your headlights on and stay on the tracks.

The camp is about 35 km from Monivae. Travelling time – about 30/35 minutes

A reminder the following items are banned on cadet camp:

• Mobilephones/Radios/Ipods/Ipads/computers
• Cigarettes/alcohol
• No pocket or bush knives are allowed on camp (Platoon commanders and SGT’s excepted)
• No spray deodorants – roll on only.
• No make-up or jewellery – Earrings and watch are okay as per the school jewellery policy

Please do not hesitate to contact the OC of the unit MAJ Phil O’Keefe, should you have any queries. pokeefe@monivae.edu.au

CAPT Sarah Byron

2IC, MCACU

On behalf of MAJ O’Keefe OC