Inaugural Commissioner’s Parade
Cadets from across the Corps come together on the Central Coast
A national event on the Central Coast
On Sunday, 26 July 2026, the inaugural Commissioner’s Parade brought together units from across the Corps at Memorial Park, The Entrance, near Tuggerah Lakes, where the first Australian Cadet Corps unit was established in 2022.
The event included a street march, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian Light Horses Monument, an official inspection, award presentations and a ceremonial march past.
Distinguished guests
The parade was honoured to welcome The Hon. David Harris MP, a long-time supporter of the Tuggerah Lakes Cadet Unit. His continued support for the unit and the Australian Cadet Corps is sincerely appreciated.
Members of local RSL sub-branches and the Lions Club also attended, joining cadets, families and members of the Central Coast community in supporting this important occasion.
Competition success on the march
Clear blue skies and mild temperatures provided ideal conditions as units demonstrated their drill, presentation and discipline during the On-the-March competition.
The Riverwood Hornets Cadet Unit achieved a clean sweep, receiving the awards for Best Squad, Best Colour Guard and Best Unit on the March.
Celebrating outstanding achievement
Among the most significant presentations of the day were the Commissioner’s Achievement Awards and the 2026 Cadet of the Year Awards.
Lance Corporal Zane Aoun of the Tuggerah Lakes Cadet Unit was named the 2026 Junior Cadet of the Year.
Drum Major Derrick Leung of the Riverwood Hornets Cadet Unit was named the 2026 Senior Cadet of the Year and received the highest overall honour as the Australian Cadet Corps Cadet of the Year for 2026.
Commissioner's Achievement Awards
Commander Noah Hamodeh and Drum Major Derrick Leung also received Commissioner’s Achievement Awards, recognising their outstanding contributions to the Corps.
These awards recognise members who demonstrate exceptional commitment, leadership and achievement while embodying the Corps’ values of integrity, discipline and respect.
Community service awards and promotions
Members from across the Corps were also recognised for their service, merit and leadership.
A total of 67 Community Service insignia across Levels 1 to 6 and 11 Merit Awards across the Grey, Black, Blue and Red levels were recognised during the ceremony.
Gregory O’Brien received the Community Service Medal in recognition of his contributions to the establishment of the Shepparton Sabres Cadet Unit.
The ceremony also recognised the promotion of Charles Smith to Lance Corporal, Mitchell Hillier to Captain and Gregory O’Brien to Commander, together with Gregory O’Brien’s appointment as Administration Commander.
Congratulations to every recipient on their achievement and continued commitment to the Australian Cadet Corps.
A message of thanks from Tuggerah Lakes
“Thank you to everyone who attended the Commissioner’s Parade at The Entrance today and supported Tuggerah Lakes Cadet Unit. It was fantastic to see so many officers, cadets and members in attendance.”
The inaugural Commissioner’s Parade was a proud milestone for the Australian Cadet Corps. The Corps thanks its official guests, the Tuggerah Lakes Show Band, the National Leadership Team, the Central Coast community and every cadet, officer, parent and supporter who helped make the event possible.