222ACU South Coast award night

The Army Cadet Unit based at Broulee was on track for a spectacular March Out Parade on December 10, 2019. Unfortunately preparations were disrupted when the Currowan fire took hold the week prior.

The forty-six members were unable to attend the dress rehearsal with Batemans Bay Soldiers Club Band at Carroll College Broulee on Dec 3rd due to fire warnings. It wasn’t just the children that couldn’t attend - the adult staff were under pressure too.

With limited options the team of adults and senior cadets pulled together in true community spirit, teamed with the generosity of Tomakin Sports and Social Club, were able to deliver a scaled down event for parents and invited guests. Within 24 hours, 222ACU South Coast held their Award Presentation to a gathering of 86.

Three special guests flew in to Canberra from the Sunshine Coast, topped off with a 4 hour drive via Browns Mountain, to unveil and present a new award for Sporting Achievement and endurance. Military Historian, Gary Traynor had sought permission to name the award in honour of their Uncle. Corporal Rene Bos, Combat Medical Attendant 5 CSSB, hand-crafted the award with the focal point of a railway spike and section of sleeper from the Thai Burma Railway, where the Private Brian Robert Woods had lost his life.

Above: Gary Traynor, Corporal Rene Bos and CUO Stokman with the award

The young members of the Army Cadet Unit, were proud to attend the simplified award presentation however would have preferred to showcase a full ceremonial parade.

If you are 13 years old in 2020 and would like to know more about Australian Army Cadets, come along to an information evening at 6.30pm on Feb 4 or Feb 11 at Carroll College Broulee. Alternatively email the Officer Commanding at rhonda.damico@armycadets.gov.au