House debates

Monday, 14 October 2019

Statements by Members

Wide Bay Electorate: Australian Army Cadets Gympie

1:50 pm

Photo of Llew O'BrienLlew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | | Hansard source

On Thursday last week, it was my great honour to attend the inaugural dining-in night for the Gympie cadet unit 150. This cadet unit was established in May last year and has been in recess since the Great War. It's great to see them back on deck. The members are between the ages of 14 and 17, and they truly are an amazing group of young people. It's easy to be impressed by their attitude and enthusiasm towards the program, and I'm sure this program will give them confidence into the future.

I applaud the volunteer staff, especially the officer in command of the unit, Andrew Bailey. He's also the officer in charge of the child protection unit at Gympie regional police and is a highly regarded detective. He's a very strong advocate for a new shed for the cadets. Everyone involved in the cadet program strives to achieve the strong principles of courage, initiative, teamwork and respect. I commend the cadets who undertake this journey and the staff who provide the mentorship, and the Australian Army for providing the learning environment. I look forward to watching 150 ACU succeed in delivering good community leaders in the years ahead.