By ALENA HIGGINS
STANTHORPE’S PTS Kookaburra navy cadets have welcomed an exciting new addition to their unit, compliments of a government grant.
The premier youth organisation, which forms part of the Australian Navy Cadets, was one of six units across the country to receive a rigid hulled inflatable boat to assist with cadet activities.
The 60-horsepower engine boat will be used to teach 29 cadets new skills in power boating and seamanship, with plans to unleash it on the waters of Storm King and Leslie dams as soon as possible, sub-lieutenant and officer in charge Jason Dorward said.
Amid sunny skies on Sunday, cadets, family members and friends gathered at Stanthorpe’s old army base to take part in the vessel’s official naming ceremony.
Southern Downs MP Lawrence Springborg was on hand to witness the parade and unveil the chosen name – “Fearless”.
“ ‘Fearless’ is the motto for TS Toowoomba and we choose Fearless in light and in honour of the assistance they have given us to get where we are today,” Sub-Lieutenant Dorward said.
Michelle Sawyer’s son Mason Picknell has only been involved with the cadets for a couple of months, but says the 14-year-old thoroughly enjoys taking part.
“Mas loves going to cadets,” she said.
“It gives him great career options and he likes it too because he is a role model for his brother and sister.”
West District RSL president Max Foot and vice-president Norm Snape presented presented the group with ceremonial cutlasses and swords on the day.
