The Australian Navy Cadet Training Ship of Norwood Secondary College, CIHS Norwood , on Friday met with the Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney.
CIHS is made up of 21 Navy Cadets, all in Year 9 and aged 14 to 16.
Minister Smith said it was always a pleasure to meet Cadets.
“Speaking with Cadets today, you really do get an understanding of why they love this program. They are excited to attend and to spend time with each other after school while learning about Australia’s military culture. It’s a good program and the Cadets of CIHS Norwood should be very proud of themselves,” Minister Smith said.
Member for Deakin, Mike Symon, noted the contribution of the community in making CIHS Norwood a success.
“A program like the Navy Cadets would not be possible without the friends, families and volunteers who support it. It really is a tireless effort to make sure that CIHS Norwood get the most from the cadet organisation and that it is fun too. Without the support of this community, cadets would not be as successful as it is.”
“On the Parliamentary Secretary’s last visit to Norwood I asked if he would organise a visit to a Huon Class minehunting ship for the unit and I have made sure that Senator Feeney had some good news for us today,” Mr Symon said.
Senator Feeney took the opportunity to invite the cadets to a visit of HMAS Diamantina.
“Meeting with the Cadets last time I was asked if it would be possible to visit a Huon Class minehunting ship. HMAS Diamantina will be in Melbourne in the next few weeks and I think the Cadets will really enjoy going out to see her and speaking with her crew,” Senator Feeney said.
“Also coming up for these Cadets is their involvement in Anzac Day ceremonies. This year they will participate in ceremonies at Norwood Secondary College and Mullum Primary School so they definitely are getting involved in their community.
“Navy Cadets is an outstanding program that embodies strong values, such as honour, honesty, integrity, courage, loyalty, teamwork and citizenship. It’s a program that I definitely expect will continue to grow,” he said.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, April 22, 2013; Image: Australian Navy