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Siannah the top cadet

Sale Army Cadet Corporal Siannah O’Sullivan was Dux of the junior leaders course.

Photo: Contributed

SALE Army Cadet, Corporal Siannah O’Sullivan, achieved Dux of course and received the student of merit award at a recent junior leaders course at Puckapunyal army base. The course was held over the school holidays, and aims to improve leadership skills for cadets seeking promotion. Corporal O’Sullivan stood out among more than 120 of her peers from across the state, receiving the top award at the march out parade. She said she was humbled by the award, and was positive about her experience with army cadets. “My experience as a cadet so far has been an amazing learning journey, it has opened up so many new opportunities in my life,” she said. “Cadets have taught me so many new skills and has exposed me to many different things such as riding in tanks and using light machine guns up at Puckapunyal. “Cadets has not only taught me basic field craft and survival, but it has also taught me how to be a confident leader in many different circumstances. “You make new friends, you learn to be a team player, you gain confidence and leadership skills. “Other activities include many field and camp experiences throughout the year, you do so many different things everyday civilians don’t get the chance to experience. “At cadets there is something for everyone, if you are considering joining you won’t be disappointed.” Corporal O’Sullivan, who has just turned 15, is keen to pursue a career in the Australian Army. “When I enlist my ambition is to go into a combat role such as artillery operator or armoured vehicle crew, or a role specialising in search and rescue humanitarian/disaster support.” she said. Siannah has been an Army Cadet since February 2021. Army Cadets is open to students aged between 13 and 18. 308 Army Cadet Unit parades at the RAAF Base, East Sale on Tuesday nights between 7pm and 9.30pm. Uniforms are provided and there is no cost to join. For further information go to www.armycadets. gov.au or email us at 308ACU@cadetnet.ov.au

Walking club turns 57

BEN Cruachan Walking Club recently celebrated its 57th birthday on the summit of its namesake, Ben Cruachan, a mountain located north of Maffra. From its formation in 1965, the club has grown to a membership of over 150 who are spread across central and East Gippsalnd. The club’s annual meeting was held in mid-July, with a number of new faces on the committee including Peter Jennings as incoming president. Well-deserved life memberships were awarded to Monica Scicluna and Joe van Beek. On Saturday, August 6 the club will hold its annual ‘Snow Shoe Shuffle’ on Mount Saint Gwinear. The walk/shuffle will take participants to the summit of Gwinear and on to Phillack Saddle, passing through a winter wonderland and including expansive views. The group will be conducting a Wilderness First Aid course in Maffra on Sunday, August 7 at which experienced paramedics will be delivering training in first aid in remote situations. For information on upcoming walks and activities, visit the club’s website at bencruachanwalkingclub.com Bluegrass Sunday jams

WELLINGTON Bluegrass Jammers provides an opportunity for musicians interested in Bluegrass and Traditional Old Time Country Music to get together and play the music they love on a regular basis. Please note the group has returned to the regular schedule of holding jams on the first Sunday of every even month. The next jam will be held at Bond Street Event Centre, 10 Bond St, Sale, on Sunday, August 7 from 1pm to 4.30pm. There will be a $5 entry fee to cover venue hire. Wellington Bluegrass Jammers’ aims to cater to musicians of all abilities. Many Bluegrass and Old Time tunes use simple chord progressions and instrumental virtuosity is not essential. The object is to encourage participation and enjoyment. To find the group on Facebook, search Wellington-Bluegrass Jamers. For more information, call Steve on 0431 513 579.