Desperate call out for new recruits to stop group folding
THE TS Centaur Navy Cadets Unit Maleny is calling out for new recruits to join the group, with dwindling numbers making for an uncertain future.
TS Centaur Unit Maleny president, Kylie Copas, said they are in desperate need of new recruits to join as soon as possible.
“Our cadets do so much within the community with things such as the ANZAC Day service at Maleny, Witta, Maleny Memorial Hospital and the RSL, Remembrance Day ceremony at the RSL, and so much more,” she said.
“As you can appreciate, it would be devastating for this unit to shut down due to lack of numbers and not have our cadets in uniform at these important events.”
She said the youth club had essentially been put on notice that if recruitment numbers did not increase by the end of term one, then it was entirely possible the long running program would be forced to fold.
“Our association has a long and proud history here in Maleny and we’ve been running for well over 30 years. Our cadets dressed in their ceremonial uniforms bring an additional level of dignity and significance to our various memorial parades every year, and it would be a huge loss to the community to not have our cadets as part of the catafalque party,” she said.
Kylie added that Maleny’s cadet program is not only a noble activity for kids to be included in, it is also a low cost program, with free membership fees.
“This youth club does not earn any money as they don’t charge any membership fees,” she said.
“They only charge a small weekly fee of $6 when you attend on Wednesday nights to assist in paying for the meal they provide weekly.”
The unit’s president said the reason the unit has been struggling so much with memberships for the past year, is due to its lack of exposure. She said she sincerely hoped that parents and grandparents would realise the benefit of the group and encourage their young people to get involved.
The group offers a wide range of opportunities, including maritime based training including sailing, canoeing, seamanship, camping and sports. The group also participates in annual training camps, often held interstate and with other Training Ships.
If you are or have a boy or girl aged 13-18 years old and are interested in finding out more, contact Officer in Charge PO Jon Gutke on 0420 331 834. Or Training Officer PO Tayler Gale 0488 990 122
