NSW Ceremonial Parade and Bomber Command Service 2025

On Sunday 25th May the cadets and officers of the NSW Group of the Australian Air League gathered in Sydney for their annual Ceremonial Parade, and to commemorate the personnel of Bomber Command with the Air Force Association.

The day began with the Bomber Command Service, where a contingent of cadets and officers marched to the Cenotaph in Martin Place. Following the arrival of Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazely AC KC, Governor of NSW the RAAF Catafalque Party took its post at the Cenotaph.

After an Acknowledgement of Country by SGT Ronald Schultz RAAF and Prayer led by the RAAF Richmond Chaplain, addresses were given by GExC Lt.Comr Jeff Remington and WGCDR Rodgers of the RAAF who spoke of the sacrifices made by the personnel of RAF Bomber Command – 55,573 killed in action from 125,000 aircrew.

At the conclusion of the service, the members of the NSW Group formed up in Martin Place for a parade through Sydney. After a week of wet weather, the original plan to march to The Domain was cancelled and instead the Squadrons marched to Hyde, finishing around the Pool of Reflection at the Anzac Memorial.

We would like to thank the Air Force Association (NSW) for inviting the Air League to participate in the Bomber Command Commemoration, as well as the Sydney City Police Area Command and Anzac Memorial for their assistance in accommodating our Ceremonial Parade at such short notice.

A full collection of photos from the day can be found at the links below;

Air Force Association Bomber Command Wreath Laying Ceremony 2025

NSW Group Ceremonial Parade 2025

Avalon Airshow Presentation

Niddrie Squadron were recently fortunate to have a visit from two of the organisers of the Avalon International Airshow who showed some insights into what it takes to put on such a large aviation event. The visits were possible due to a Squadron connection working for AMDA and 2nd Officer Duyvestyn also working at the airshow prior to and during the event.

Warwick Renton and Des Joyce from the AMDA Foundation came to the squadrons parade night and showed a presentation to the squadron about AMDA. The AMDA Foundation is an organisation who run and organise some of the largest expos and events for the defence and aerospace industry, one of which is the Avalon International Airshow.

The squadron heard about how much behind the scenes work goes in to co-ordinating and running the $35M airshow and were also shown some slides of the different parts of the airshow; the trade days, flying program and all the different entertainment that was going to be held during the show. The cadets were enthralled and every time a plane appeared on the slideshow an in-depth discussion was held on its origin and many other details of the plane. The cadets also heard an early indication of what planes would be coming to the airshow this year.

In the days leading up to the airshow the squadron was also paid a visit by Squadron Leader Ash Wright, who is an air traffic control manager for the RAAF. Ash gave a talk to the squadron about what’s involved in managing and running the air traffic control side of the airshow. Ash was so impressed by the squadron and the Air League in general that he is considering taking his own son to join his nearest squadron in South Australia.

The cadets from Niddrie squadron asked a lot of questions during both presentations and surprised the speakers with their knowledge and enthusiasm for all things aviation. All the presenters were so impressed, they have promised to come back in 2 years’ time prior to the next Avalon Airshow with even more behind the scenes information and access.

Shepparton Squadron Off To A Flying Start

The new Shepparton Squadron of the Australian Air League commenced operations in February and is off to a flying start with 11 cadets ages 8 to 12 already signed up and several more undertaking a free trial before joining. In addition, 3 adults have stepped forward to undertake officer training and 4 more have volunteered to join the branch committee to assist with fundraising and supporting the Squadron.

State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe MP meets some of the cadets from Shepparton Sqn at the ANZAC Day Appeal

Meeting at the Goulburn Valley Aero Club at Shepparton Airport, the Squadron is in an ideal location with plenty always happening at the airport. It might be a visit from Air Ambulance Victoria with their Agusta-Westland AW-139 or a hands-on opportunity to inspect a light aircraft to learn about flight controls for the cadet’s first education badge.

Serving the community has always been a strong focus for the Air League and in the lead up to ANZAC Day, the Squadron has been assisting in RSL Victoria ANZAC Appeal, selling badges at the local shopping centre. Over two weekends they assisted in raising $5000 for the RSL – a fantastic effort for a new Squadron where the oldest cadet is just 12! 

Air Activities Autumn 2025 Flying Camp

In the April school holidays the NSW Group of the Australian Air League held a 5-day flying camp at the Air Activities Centre located at Camden Airport, NSW which was attended by 12 student pilots from Squadrons across the state, with a view to build and consolidate on their training.

Cpl Jesse Hooper of Marrickville Squadron achieving his first solo flight

All of these students had commenced their flying training at previous camps and this camp provided them with the opportunity to work on achieving the next stage of their license. They were assisted by a team of 9 instructors rostered on for the camp, and ground staff there to ensure the camp ran smoothly.

Their hard work and dedication were rewarded with two cadets achieving their first solo flight, and a further two cadets going on to their training area solo. The two first solo flights were achieved by Cpl Jesse Hooper of Marrickville Squadron, and cadet Adam Hung from Epping Squadron whilst L/Cdt Christian Laudicina of Manly Squadron and L/Cdt Michael Yousseph from Camden Squadron completed their first training area solo flights.

In total the cadets completed 53 flights and just over 51 hours of flying during the camp and several are now working towards their Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) that will allow them to fly as pilot in command with a passenger, without supervision in the local training area.

Day 3 – Vic Group 2025 Gliding Camp

Day 3 of the 2025 Victoria Group April gliding camp began with Daily Inspections (known as DIs) on the gliders to get them ready for flight. Sqn Sgt Willow Plenty and Group Lt. Bryan McGrath split the new students into two groups and went through the process of completing a DI check. Once completed, cadets assisted with taking the gliders out onto the airfield flight line.

The day started off a little patchy, with some light rain before flying could start. Once this cleared, the cadets were able to take to the skies for their final flights of the camp and they were able to complete all of their five flights for the camp. The cadets again assisted with Ground Crew work and helped the Melbourne Gliding Club launch their glider on the day.

Once the day’s flights were completed, the cadets assisted with packing up the gliders and housing them back in their parking spaces in the hanger before a final debriefing with the instructors back at the club house. The day concluded with a final parade where Group Lt. Bryan McGrath congratulated the cadets for their behaviour and enthusiasm towards learning to fly as they began their journey to become glider pilots. Mr McGrath also thanked the Geelong Gliding Club (GGC) for once again providing the cadets this opportunity and enable us to get more youth flying and Mrs Baker for once again assisting with the camp and her fantastic catering abilities.

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