October 24, 2014
A meeting will be held in Kingaroy next week to discuss ways to keep the South Burnett’s two Cadet Units operating.
At the moment, the 135 ACU is headquartered in Wondai, and the 177 ACU is in Nanango.
The Wondai unit, which parades at the Army Reserve Depot, has 35 members while the Nanango unit, which parades at Nanango State High School, has 23.
However, at present there is only one available officer eligible to command either unit.
Captain Liane Kerr, who commands the Nanango unit, said it had been suggested she take over the Wondai unit, which has better facilities, which could mean the Nanango unit would close.
However, Captain Kerr lives at Maidenwell and believes the constant travel to Wondai is “out of the question” for her.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Wondai unit, Captain Peter Schneidewin, has relocated to Toowoomba. He has been attempting to attract a volunteer to take over his unit, but with no luck so far.
Captain Kerr said the OIC did not require a military background.
“I just came in as a volunteer, as a mum, and now I’m running the unit,” she said.
She completed courses, and more courses, as she progressed through the ranks.
“We just need someone who is willing to come and have a go, and can take the time off to do the courses,” she said.
“If a compromise is offered as to a location in Kingaroy, that could work, but I am very keen on keeping Nanango open.”
She said if Nanango closed, the cadets there probably would not be able to join Wondai as it would push their numbers over the limit of 40.
“This meeting is open to everyone to discuss and try and work out a solution for both units, in particular Nanango remaining open,” Captain Kerr said.
The public meeting will be held from 6:00pm in the Tobruk Room at the Kingaroy RSL Club on Tuesday, October 28.
