Newington College Army Cadet Unit (NCACU) is one of the oldest continuously running units in Australia. On the eve of its annual Passing Out Parade, our highest-ranking student officer talks highlights.

Any first-time nerves NCACU Senior Under Officer (SUO) Charlie C had when he began cadets four years ago, disappeared when he realised the program at Newington offers something for everyone.

‘It didn’t take me long to feel at home and to realise that regardless of your specific interests or hobbies there is something for you,’ says Charlie.

‘This could entail anything from becoming a medic, signals specialist or pursuing platoon leadership via promotions courses.

‘Personally, when I started out, I really enjoyed getting to learn something new every Home Training. But cadets blends so many aspects together and you learn tons of practical skills like bushcraft and survival, navigation, first aid and safety, and radio, all while working with the others in your platoon, and developing your own teamwork and leadership skills.’

The Newington College Army Cadet Unit (NCACU) was established in 1869 and is one of the longest continuously running cadet units in Australia. The program promotes leadership, resilience, teamwork, and practical skills fostered through a range of outdoor activities and experiences. NCUA consists of more than 440 cadets and meets fortnightly on Johnson Oval for Home Training, which teaches military aspects such as the structure and protocol of military drills and parades, survival and outdoor skills and navigation and bivouac field exercises. Next term, Year 8 students at Newington will all take part in the Cadets Discovery Program where they will get a taste of cadets and participate in a range of activities including rock climbing, archery, obstacle courses, water safety, team building initiatives, camouflage and concealment, fieldcraft and drill.

Officer Commanding, Major(AAC) Aimee Isbister, who served in the Australian Army for more than 20 years, says this afternoon’s Passing Out Parade will farewell NCUCA’s 70 Year 12 student cadets. It will also award NCACU company platoon winners and Non-Commissioned Officer (Junior and Senior) of the Year for this training cycle.

Says Major(AAC) Isbister, ‘Our SUO Charlie C, Regimental Sergeant Major Sam R and Adjutant Dylan H have been exemplary cadet leaders in 2026, and we thank them and all of our graduating Year 12 cadets for their leadership, service and dedication over the years.’

The annual Dining-In Dinner this evening will be hosted by MAJ(AAC) Isbister, the SUO and the RSM, and will see cadets in formal military dining dress. It will honour formal ‘mess’ traditions and include a presentation to 2026’s Cadet Under Officer of the Year. It will also thank MLC School for many years of cadet collaboration.

Outside the College, the NCACU represents Newington at annual ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies and takes part in the Annual Field Exercise (AFX). These provide an immersive, hands-on outdoor experience where cadets put their skills into practice. SUO Charlie C says the AFX was a high point.

‘The highlight of my first year in the Unit was easily the Annual Field Exercise (AFX), where we got to camp and trek through the bush over five days, completing a variety of activities at checkpoints along the way,’ he says.

‘It was an amazing experience to take part with my platoon, and we became closer to each other, having completed AFX together.’

Thinking about his last year as SUO, Charlie C says he hopes younger students beginning their cadets adventure, will find the program as meaningful as he has.

‘The thing I’ve got most out of the Unit has been my ability to work well with people and as part of a team, particularly in leadership positions as a platoon Sergeant last year and this year as SUO,’ he says.

‘I’ve had the privilege of working with a large number of my fellow cadets in platoon leadership and Unit leadership positions to assist in delivering the training program to the younger members of the Unit, as well as aiding in the organisation planning of ceremonial parades, and of course AFX.

‘These have been incredibly valuable experiences for me personally, and as I’m sure many of my fellow Year 12 cadets would agree, we have learnt a lot about leadership and ourselves personally through our time in the Unit.’

Did you know?

• Senior cadets from NCACU on occasion participate in the Deputy Chief of Army Adventure Training Award (ATA), a challenging national multi-day task that evaluates cadets on their bushcraft and outdoor skills.
• NCACU plays an instrumental role in annual ANZAC Day services including in ANZAC Day Dawn Services and the Sydney CBD march.
• The continued strength of the NCUCA honours Australian defence personnel who serve in outposts around the world, as well as preserving the memory of those who have given their lives and service in the past.

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