More than a dozen cadets from the 251 Army Cadet Unit took part in ANZAC Day commemorations for the first time this year, proudly representing their communities and stepping into ceremonial roles that have deep meaning and tradition.
From across the New England region, young recruits participated in the Uralla services – dawn and late morning – and march, some even alongside their family members in a multi-generational display of service and respect.
Many of the cadets also served as flag bearers, or had the significant honour of being one of the four members of catafalque parties – the ceremonial guard that stands watch around a memorial or cenotaph during commemorative services.
The growing presence of cadets at Uralla services is the result of a collaboration between 251 Australian Army Cadet Unit and the Uralla RSL Sub-Branch. Uralla RSL President Russ French said the cadets have become an integral part of their commemorations.
“We started with about 10 cadets the first year. Now we’re up to around 20 or more,” he said.
“They carry the flags, which takes the pressure off our veterans, many of whom are getting older and can’t carry them anymore. The crowd loves them, and they do a marvellous job.”
Lance Corporal Benjamin Cox from Armidale who joined the Australian Army Cadets in February 2024, was among those participating for the first time. The Armidale-based cadet stood guard in the catafalque party during the dawn service in Uralla.
“It’s where you stand around each corner of a memorial and you pretty much just show your respect and kind of guard it,” he explained.
“I love cadets. You get so much out of it—there’s shooting, trucks, and field exercises. At the last AFX, which is a big field exercise, I got to start a Bushmaster. It’s a big armoured four-wheel drive.”
Cadet Noah Gilvear from Guyra who has attended around eight ANZAC Day services as a community member, said participating in uniform for the first time felt completely different.
“You get to hold flags and participate in the march—it’s so much more than just watching.”
Also taking part in her first ANZAC Day as a cadet was Cadet Sophia Broadley of Armidale, daughter of Warrant Officer Class Two Daryl Broadley and Major (AAC) Shevaun Stait. Sophia was part of the eight-point guard during the dawn service, standing proudly in her first ceremonial role as part of a family with a strong tradition of military service.
Sophia and fellow first timers Cadet Eilish Morgan and Cadet Coco Loughney, both from Armidale, were also three of the five female cadets participating this year – an encouraging sign as female participation in the New England cadet ranks has doubled since 2024. Cadet Harry Strijland from Uralla also took part for the first time, and brought a special touch to the contingent as the only Uralla based cadet.
Major (AAC) Shevaun Stait, Battalion Commanding Officer, emphasised how much the experience meant for the cadets – especially those for whom it was a personal milestone.
“They’ve all worked hard to be where they are, and they should be proud,” she said.
“It’s about representing their organisation and their communities. For many, it’s a step outside their comfort zone.”
Warrant Officer Class Two Daryl Broadley is the Officer Commanding Australian Army Cadets, as well as the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant for the whole of NSW. He has been working with cadets for 20 years and said the program teaches essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, time management, and even small things like cleaning their room—much to the delight of parents.
“A lot of these young cadets were nervous. They’ve never stood in public before,” he said.
“To then front up in uniform at a community ceremony takes courage. And they looked fantastic.”
Top image: The 251 Army Cadet Unit members participating in services at Uralla. Front Row (from left): Cadet Under Officer Adjutant James Everett (Armidale), Cadet Harry Strijland (Uralla), Cadet Corporal Dane Friedman (Armidale), Cadet Lance Corporal Samual Suraski (Guyra), Cadet Coco Loughney (Armidale), Cadet Eilish Morgan (Armidale), Cadet Corporal Issy Reid (Armidale), Cadet Sophia Broadley (Armidale), Cadet Noah Gilvear (Guyra). Back row (from left) Cadet Lance Corporal Ben Clark (Armidale), Cadet Nayte Estreich (Armidale), Cadet Isaac Brown (Armidale), Cadet Warrant Officer Class Two Cooper Packham (Armidale), Cadet Under Officer Clare Kelly (Armidale), Cadet Lance Corporal Ben Cox (Armidale), Cadet Lance Corporal Lucas Flanagan (Armidale), Cadet Corporal Thomas Walker (Hillgrove).
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