Norfolk Island has been home since 1998 to 230 Army Cadet Unit (ACU), which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Head Australian Defence Force Cadets Major General Douglas Laidlaw, Commander NSW Australian Army Cadets Brigade Colonel Andrew White, and Keith Payne, VC, and his wife Flo Payne, attended the weekend event to mark the significant milestone.
Cadets and staff from NSW Australian Army Cadets Brigade accompanied them and participated in the celebratory activities.
This Silver Jubilee is a representation of the community’s commitment to maintaining the only youth program available on the island for 13- to 18-year-olds.
The unit provides local youth with opportunities to challenge themselves and achieve goals as part of a team, while supporting the community.
To begin the celebrations, 230 ACU welcomed guests with an ‘island-style fish fry’, one of Norfolk Island’s unique dining experiences featuring fresh fried fish, salad and chips.
Cadets then participated in a weekend bivouac, camping outfield and hiking up Mt Bates and Mt Pitt on Saturday, finished with a walk through the 100-Acres Reserve and reception at Government House, hosted by Administrator Eric Hutchinson.
National Cadet Adjutant Cadet Under Officer Jack Paterson said it was great to see mateship and camaraderie between 230 ACU and the connection they have to Norfolk Island.
The cadets paraded through their township, and were reviewed by Major General Laidlaw.
“In the minutes leading up to the parade, the cadets were all assisting each other with their uniforms to show themselves in a positive light,” Cadet Under Officer Paterson said.
A formal dinner filled with stories of the unit’s history and presentations closed the weekend.
“There was an underlying sense of pride in how the Army Cadet Unit has grown to be a part of the Norfolk Island community,” Cadet Under Officer Paterson said.
“They continue to deliver the same qualities to the island’s youth today as it did at its founding.”
