Assistant Minister for Defence - Number 112 Squadron becomes official squadron

The Assistant Minister for Defence, Darren Chester, presented the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Ensign to Weipa-based 112 Squadron (SQN), making them the newest Squadron to join 1 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC).

Mr Chester said the formation of 112 SQN as a permanent squadron would ensure the youth of the Weipa community would now have a permanent and ongoing opportunity to participate in an adventurous youth organisation.

“The establishment of a squadron in a remote town such as Weipa would not have been possible without the strong support and enthusiasm of the local council, parents, community and of courses the cadets,” Mr Chester said.

“This is a very exciting day for the community of Weipa and surrounding areas,” he said.

112 SQN is now home to 41 cadets. With new enquires continually being received, this number is likely to grow steadily in the near future.

The Wing has been providing training and youth development activities for young people across regional Queensland from as far south as Mackay and west as Mt Isa for more than 60 years.

“The squadron is also home to five RAAF personnel who have been instrumental in enabling 112 SQN to become a permanent squadron, volunteering a large portion of their own time,” Mr Chester said.

The AAFC provides supervised training in powered flying and gliding, bush survival and field craft skills, basic engineering, organisational behaviour, drill and ceremonial and leadership.

Cadets also learn life-skills such as self-discipline, self-respect, self-reliance, communication and teamwork.

The RAAF is committed to providing youth in regional, rural and remote Queensland with the same opportunity as is available to cadets in capital cities.

Media note:

Imagery can be found at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20152847