5 December 2023
HMAS Adelaide came to life recently, with more than 50 cadets and 20 adult staff from the Sydney and Shoalhaven regions, to demonstrate a range of new activities available in a revolutionised youth development program.
Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite formally launched the Australian Navy Cadets new Cadet Youth Development Continuum (CYDC) on board Adelaide in Sydney Harbour.
The Navy-led initiative aims to inspire youth to learn more about the maritime environment and develop competencies such as communication and leadership skills through nautically-based activities.
Mr Thistlethwaite encouraged all young Australians to get involved, saying the CYDC provides cadets with important life skills.
“It is a wonderful program that provides an opportunity for young cadets to train in STEM subjects, as well as the more traditional avenues like drill and navigation that are part of the Navy Cadets program,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.
The official CYDC launch turned Adelaide into a hive of activity, displaying electives from the new program in all areas of the ship.
The cadets played drums on the flight deck, applied first aid in the sick bay, cooked in the galley and conducted the water-based activities of powerboating and sailing alongside Adelaide.
The hangar was home to a robotics demonstration, physical fitness training and drone flying, which was a highlight.
The CYDC includes an overhaul of category and existing promotion courses and will deliver exciting and stimulating cadet experiences that connect them to the maritime environment and the Navy.
“This is an exciting new initiative that provides younger members of our community with the opportunity to see some of the new skills that are required in Navy, particularly around STEM,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.
For more information about Australian Navy Cadets go to: www.navycadets.gov.au
