2024 AGM Updates, Notices and Reports
The Australian Cadet Corps held its third Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, 23rd November 2024. The meeting brought together officers, committee members, and leaders to review the achievements of the past year, reflect on challenges, and set goals for the year ahead.
Commissioner’s Address
Commissioner Trent Aylward opened the meeting with a speech celebrating the Corps’ growth, resilience, and unity throughout 2024. He highlighted:
- Strengthening our legacy: The Corps continues to thrive as a beacon of leadership and service, offering opportunities for cadets and officers to develop and contribute meaningfully.
- Celebratingachievements: From ANZAC Day commemorations and local RSL services to successful bush camps, cadets have embodied professionalism and respect. A standout highlight was the Riverwood Cadet Unit Marching Band representing Australia at the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy, earning international recognition.
- Looking ahead: Plans are underway to expand into new regions, strengthen leadership pathways, and continue growing community engagement.
Reports
Finance
Deputy Commissioner Anthony Fahd presented the financial report to June 2024. The report was reviewed and accepted unanimously, with confidence expressed in the Corps’ financial management.
Administration
Deputy Commissioner Peter Allen reported significant progress, including:
- Launch of a new online membership database to streamline compliance, renewals, and communication.
- Finalisation of the Resource Portal, now a central hub for handbooks, forms, and organisational documents.
- Growth in membership. The ACC has seen a significant increase in membership in 2024.
Operations
Deputy Commissioner Jonno Wilkins reported a transformative year for operations:
- The successful onboarding of the Riverwood Hornets Cadet Unit.
- Major events attended, including the Sydney Royal Easter Show, ANZAC Day services, Normandy commemorations, and the annual Cadet Camp at Crosslands.
- Field Department reforms, including new uniforms, a standardised naming convention, and the rollout of the Field Manual (Part 1 – Basic Drill).
- Plans for 2025 include themed months for departments (e.g. February: Maritime, May: Aviation, September: Field), two Duke of Edinburgh Camps, and continued expansion efforts.
Training
Deputy Commissioner Peter Allen (final report in this role) highlighted major educational achievements:
- Development of 169 education topics across eight regimes, with defined learning outcomes for most.
- Publication of key handbooks, including the Promotions and Appointments Handbook.
- Progress on the Online Exams Portal, soon to allow cadets to sit and officers to generate exams online.
Successful introduction of Leadership Training sessions at the 2024 Cadets Camp.
He thanked his team for their contributions and noted his transition to a new role, with Maximus Pollard appointed Deputy Commissioner of Training moving forward.
Child Safety
The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to child safety. The Child Safe Policy was reviewed and unanimously accepted with no changes required.
Committee Elections & Appointments
As part of the AGM, the following appointments were confirmed:
- Anthony Fahd – Deputy Commissioner of Finance & Treasurer
- Jonno Wilkins – Deputy Commissioner of Operations
- Maximus Pollard – Deputy Commissioner of Training
- Peter Glover – Vice President
- Peter Allen – Deputy Commissioner of Administration & Secretary
Looking Forward
The AGM reinforced the Corps’ commitment to integrity, discipline, and respect, celebrating a year of progress while setting ambitious goals for 2025. With new leadership appointments, fresh initiatives, and a growing membership base, the Australian Cadet Corps is well positioned for another year of achievement.
