Australian Army Cadet sub-unit to be launched in Coonabarabran

A Coonabarabran resident is doing his bit to provide the youth of the town with more options.

Local police officer Dusan Dakic said he was looking for expressions of interest to start a sub-unit of the Australian Army Cadets.

It will run under the Mudgee 205 banner until there is enough local involvement to create a stand alone platoon.

Mr Dakic who carries the rank of Lieutenant (ACC) said he would like to gauge the community interest and was both surprised and buoyed by the support he had already received.

He said the next step was to find a home for the unit.

“I’ve got a couple of places in mind, but hopefully I should have that sorted in the next couple of weeks,” he said.

“Something like this would be good for the kids of Coonabarabran because there’s not much else for them to do here other than the typical weekend sports.

“You don’t have to be super fit or even into the military.

“It’s about development and taking kids out of their comfort zones and gaining confidence.

“And there’s opportunities for kids to move into leadership roles and follow the structure.” 

Mr Dakic became involved with the Army Cadets about two and a half years ago.

His motivation was purely to help.

“It was a bit of a passion of mine, I was just interested in helping out and giving back to the community,” he said.

“I had no military experience at all, but I came across the army cadets and I thought they really had the potential to do a lot of good and I think it would be the same here in Coonabarabran.”

Youngsters involved in the army cadets take part in learning and activities that Mr Dakic said helps to build their confidence.

He said as well as drills, the groups often took part in obstacle courses, learning navigation skills, excursions and camps.

“I’ve seen kids join that were really quiet and introverted and 12 months later they are running some of the discussions.”

Mr Dakic said for the unit to be successful in Coonabarabran he would also need other adults onboard to assist.

However, he reitterated that no military experience was necessary.

“Our values revolve around teamwork, camaraderie, respect and integrity and it all helps to teach discipline,” he said.

“And it’s open to everyone - boys and girls of all fitness levels.

Youngsters are able to join in the year they turn 13 and discharge at the end of the year they turn 18.

To register interest in joining your children or helping out email 205acu@armycadets.gov.au or for more information on what the cadets can offer go to www.armycadets.gov.au.

TOP: Dusan Dakic wants to offer the Coonabarabran youth another option by starting a sub-unit of the Army Cadets.