It has been a challenging year for the unit with the passing of our Commanding Officer Lieutenant Steve Roberts from cancer. Despite the enormity of this loss to the unit, the Cadets have demonstrated considerable strength and resilience and should be very proud of their efforts this year. TS Southport would not be what it is today without the commitment, dedication and time LEUT Roberts put into the unit. He is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed.
SBLT KEN CONNORS ANC
Commanding Officer, (Acting) Training Ship Southport In 2015 Training Ship Southport’s Ship’s Company included 87 cadets, four appointed officers and three unit support volunteer instructors. Thirty recruits began training and most completed requirements that will allowed them to be promoted at the completion of the Tri-Service Parade.
Our Annual Continuous Training camp on South Stradbroke Island provides the cadets the opportunity to focus on developing the necessary skills for water competency as well as a variety of challenging training and team-building exercises. An important aspect of our camp is dedicated to ‘giving back’ to the school and local community. This year the cadets set about repairing the fencing that surrounds the property and assisting the camp caretaker, Mr Steve Johnson, to replace the radiator in the school four-wheel-drive. Again our senior cadets were given the opportunity for more independent sail training aboard the restored sailing vessel Mr Percival. 338
THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL SOUTHPORTONIAN 2015
The camp provided a challenge for all cadets and the increased teamwork and self-confidence was obvious by the return leg of camp.
TS Southport’s commitment to community service is unsurpassed as the cadets again took on the task of providing catafalque parties, flagbearers, ushers and support staff to a variety of events around the Gold Coast. This year cadets were involved in Orientation Day at TSS, ANZAC Day Services at TSS and St Hilda’s, four separate Community ANZAC Day Commemorations and marches, Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration, Korean War Veterans’ Service, the Kokoda Anniversary Service, Victory in the Pacific Service, Gold Coast Navy Week Committee Commemoration Service and Remembrance Day Ceremonies. The unit has definitely lived up to their motto of “Leading through Service”.
Being Australia’s largest Navy Cadet unit, TS Southport enjoyed its 21st year as a recognised unit. It also marked the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, coinciding with Navy’s year to lead the Tri-Service Graduation Parade. The parade was led by PO Zac McFarlane and PO Andrew Bridle and all are commended for their tremendous performance.
