November 10, 2014
The Wondai community proved at the weekend that it wants to keep the local Army Cadet Unit operating, but the ultimate decision still rests with the military authorities.
More than 30 local residents attended an emergency meeting held on Sunday in a last-ditch bid to keep the unit from being mothballed.
“We had 18 adults volunteer a commitment to the unit,” the retiring officer-in-charge, Captain (AAC) Peter Schneidewin, said.
“It looks promising that the key positions of Officer Commanding, Training Officer, Administration Officer and Logistics Officer may have suitable applicants.”
Late last month, it appeared likely that cadets from Wondai would be offered the opportunity to join an enlarged Nanango cadet unit while the hunt for a new commanding officer and volunteers for Wondai continued.
The proposal to mothball Wondai’s 135ACU was put to a meeting in Kingaroy which was chaired by Lieutenent-Colonel (AAC) Leigh Eagle from Brisbane.
Lieut-Col (AAC) Eagle said she would take this submission to her superiors.
However Capt Schneidewin said he had approached Lieut-Col Eagle in the wake of Sunday’s meeting.
“I have sent a proposal to Lieut-Col (AAC) Eagle this evening outlining these results and requesting that the unit remain open,” he said.
“I now wait for her to review the information and give us a decision as to whether or not the unit will avoid mothballing.”
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Was gutted to hear the news that 135th unit was closing. Every second Sunday 0900hrs to 1600hrs (leave home at 6.30am, get home 6pm), 3 to 4 weekend camps per year, Anzac Day parades, Remembrance Day, 7 day annual camp at Greenbank every Sept/Oct school holidays plus end of year parade & dine in night, countless courses & conferences, 4hr round trip to parade at Wondai for 14 years. It was all worth it because of the cadets. Extremely privileged to have been able to serve these exceptional young men & women of the 135th cadet unit past & present! To the volunteers who have stepped up, every moment is rewarding.