Bateman Bay has been earmarked by Defence for cadet growth as it is in a geographic location where youth development programs "could have a positive impact on the community".
The sites prioritised under this investment have been identified as "integral to the ADF emergency response network, and ensuring facilities are fit-for-purpose to develop our nation’s youth”, said Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie MP.
The government has decided to invest more than $1 billion to upgrade 73 Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserve and Cadet facilities across Australia over the next 10 years.
Minister for Defence the Hon. Peter Dutton MP says "The investment includes $53 million in infrastructure upgrades to 18 cadet facilities, including in rural and remote communities over the next year.
It is anticipated that the infrastructure investment will support the growth of the ADF Cadets by 10 percent over the next year, and is just one component of a number of initiatives being implemented to enhance the cadet program.
“We want to provide improved opportunities for cadets through a number of avenues, including better facilities, enhanced experiences, mentoring and relevant skilling,” Minister
Dutton said.
General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO MC (Retd) will become the first Patron of the ADF Cadets.
Defence will increase numbers in existing cadet units and create new units to complement broader Government initiatives supporting youth development and skilling.
“In addition to the more traditional skills developed through the program, future cadets will also be engaged in STEM-focused activities including cyber security, virtual reality
simulation, robotics and flight simulation,” Minister Dutton said.
“The program will focus on growing cadet and volunteer numbers, and establishing new units in rural and remote areas, including in Indigenous communities.
“To ensure enduring local unit success, additional personnel including veterans and
reservists will be employed to provide administrative support.
“The investment in facility upgrades will also provide opportunities for Australian industry
including local and Indigenous suppliers and contractors.”
