One of Australia’s oldest navy cadet units, TS Vancouver Albany faces closure due to low membership

One of Australia’s oldest continuously running cadet navy units is pleading for new recruits to save it from closure. Training Ship Vancouver Albany, which has been operating since 1955, and out of its building behind the Brig Amity since 1979, is on the hunt to swell its membership, having been told it needs more members to remain economically viable. With a membership of 12, Flotilla Training Support officer for WA Lt Terri Cartmill ANC said the unit needs at least 14 to be safe from closure. “To definitely sustain and continue on we need at least two or three more members — a regular unit has around 20 so we’re a fair way down from the average,” she said. “The TS Vancouver has such a rich history as one of oldest running cadet units in the country, one of first to accept females and Indigenous people. “To lose it would be a huge loss to everyone. “It has always mystified me why more kids aren’t interested in cadets — it offers such a huge host of opportunities for young people.” Lt Cartmill said cadets are “wholly embraced” by the Royal Australian Navy and have access to their services. As well as classic maritime-based activities such as sailing and powerboating, cadets can engage in modern technology activities such as biathlon eco-rifle shooting, drones, and robotics. The program also teaches self-sufficiency skills in the form of first aid, cooking and health and wellbeing activities and offers two camps a year. Cadet Joshua Boocock said he really enjoys his time with the unit. “It’s really fun,” he said. “Cadets is good for making friends and getting to know new people. “The camps are really good for all of the stuff they offer to teach and . . . we go on navy ships and submarines when they come into port.” TS Vancouver commanding officer Lt Ian Boocock ANC said teenagers can get a lot from the program, helping them develop leadership, self-discipline, self-reliance and initiative. “Many cadets want to be more self-disciplined and our instructors will help with that and make it fun at the same time,” he said. “But they also help young people to try things they have never done before and work with them to overcome any fears and shyness until they achieve it. “Everyone looks after each other in the navy cadets — there is a lot of respect in the air and indeed, many teenagers and instructors say cadets feels like a second family. “You’ll get all the support you need to show what you’re made of, whether or not you shine at school.” Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 can join the TS Vancouver cadets via the Australian Navy Cadets website.