A member of Benalla Rural City’s local 420 Australian Air Force Cadets Squadron, based in Wangaratta, was recently selected to represent it in Canberra.
Cadet Corporal Toby Beggs was selected from a pool of more than 1500 to attend and celebrate 80 years of Cadet service to the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC).
The official anniversary was in 2021, however, COVID-19 restrictions saw the celebration postponed.
Personnel from the eight wings, Australia wide, that make up the AAFC, were nominated by their Commanding Officers.
Those lucky enough to attend had the opportunity to highlight this historical occasion to the broader community, AAFC leaders, and partners within defence and the aviation industry.
At the event cadets were presented to senior defence personnel, and government ministers after an official parade held at the Australian Defence Academy.
AAFC was originally formed in 1941 as part of the Empire Training Scheme, and Australia’s wartime efforts during World War II, to training young men in all facets of the Royal Australian Air Force, in preparation for service.
An AAFC spokesperson said It had since transitioned from that purely military focused role, to the premier youth development organisation it was today.
“With a continuing focus on the aviation sector both defence and commercial, we now look to assist our young people to develop not only a passion for the aviation industries, but a love of flying,” the spokesperson said.
“Which we hope they take forward into their adult lives.
“(We also) engage them in what we hope will work towards developing a sense of their own worth within their communities... and assist (to) prepare them for the skills needed in adult life.”
Cadets engaged in the AAFC have various opportunities throughout their time with their squadrons to pursue many facets of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths programs, which many are familiar with; along with learning field craft, drone operation, personal development and leadership.
Yearly intakes of new recruits to the organisation occur from February to March.
Cadets can start from the age of 12 provided they turn 13 in their year of joining and are in Year 7 of their education.
More information or how to apply, can be found at www.airforcecadets.gov.au