Navy cadet parade 'A sea of white'

The waterfront at Naval Headquarters South Queensland was transformed into a spectacular sea of white, as 300 Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) and 50 of their instructional staff assembled on Sunday, 19 October 2008 for a 'divisions' parade.

All 19 ANC 'Training Ships' (units) in South Queensland gathered together for a weekend of activities culminating in ceremonial divisions. It was the largest assembly of Navy cadets anywhere in Australia for many years.

The Sunday review was very special with two Royal Australian Navy (RAN) admirals in attendance: Navy Systems Commander, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore, AM, CSC, was joined by Head of Cadet Policy, Rear Admiral Karel De Laat, CSC, RFD. The parade was hosted by the regional senior ANC officer, Lieutenant Commander Martin Blume, ANC.

Other VIPs in attendance included Victoria Cross recipient, Warrant Officer Keith Payne VC (Retd), the federal member for Forde, the Hon Brett Raguse MP and Councillor Shayne Sutton from the Morningside ward. During the ceremony Councillor Sutton read a message of congratulations and 'well done' from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

The State Section President Phil Gilbert and wife Joan were in attendance with many other members of the Queensland Section attending.  National President Les Dwyer and wife Lynda enjoyed the day.

The review was also an opportunity to announce the top cadet units in South Queensland. The Naval Association Shield for the most outstanding cadet unit went to Training Ship (TS) Toowoomba.

The RSL Shield for Outstanding Achievement went to TS Walrus, while the Naval Headquarters South Queensland Trophy was shared by Queensland's newest cadet units, the recently commissioned TS Diamantina, TS Gladstone and TS Maryborough.

Navy Headquarters South Queensland is located at Bulimba Barracks in Brisbane.

Photos taken on the day may be enlarged by clicking on photos:-