Trained staff needed for Army Cadets Unit to proceed in Narrabri

Former Narrabri resident Nicole Gallagher initiated an investigation of the possibility of establishing an Army Cadets Unit in Narrabri during her time as Narrabri RSL sub-branch president.

The idea was sprung after discovering four local high school students were participating in a Cadets unit in Tamworth every week.

Members of the RSL sub-branch could see how worthwhile it would be to establish a unit for the Narrabri district.

Since then, steps have been taken towards forming a unit in Narrabri.

The unit would be run on the grounds of Narrabri High school, with the school currently in the process of entering into a Community Services Agreement with Defence.

The proposed unit would operate at Narrabri High School, pending a Community Services Agreement with Defence, and would be open to boys and girls aged 13–18 residing in Narrabri Shire.

This includes students who would be turning 13 the year they enrol.

Before the unit can be operational, the school will need trained staff. Staff training is provided by Defence at no cost, requiring a three-hour weekly commitment plus two or three weekend excursions per year for camping and other outdoor activities.

Volunteers (Defence Adult Helpers) are also needed; no training is required for this role, but all staff and volunteers must be 18+ with valid Working with Children and Police Checks. No prior military experience is necessary.

There is also an opening for volunteers (Defence Adult Helpers). To be a DAH, there is no training required. While the DAH play an important role, they are not counted towards the staff/cadet ratio.

All staff, both trained and volunteer, must be 18yrs old or older and have a current Working with Children Check and Police Check. This would be a great fit for anyone who likes camping and outdoor activities and working with young people. No prior experience or military background is necessary.

As soon as there are enough trained staff, organisers will be able to open a Narrabri Army Cadets Unit. They need at least 5-10 trained staff before a local unit can be operational.

Meanwhile, Coonabarabran’s Army Cadets Unit invites interested individuals to attend an open day on Wednesday, September 10, commencing at 4:30pm, at Coonabarabran High School.

The event will be a great opportunity to find out more about the Army Cadets.

The Narrabri RSL Sub-Branch have kindly arranged for a bus to take interested people from Narrabri to Coonabarabran to attend the open day at no charge. Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Numbers are limited.

For more information or to reserve your seat on the bus, please contact RSL Sub-Branch secretary, Louisa Burns on 0473 467 146. As advertised in the classifieds.