315 Australian Army Cadet Unit - Hamilton

12/04/2026

Well done to 315ACU’s Leo McConachy in his successful completion of the Deputy Chief of Army Adventure Training Award for 2026 held this week in Tasmania.

Certificates, ATA patches and the coveted Golden Boomerang pin were presented by the activity’s Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel (AAC) Leaman, alongside Deputy Commander, Colonel Patten-Richens.

This ATA has been described as one of the toughest in recent times — quite possibly ever. Every cadet should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.

Well done, Leo.

11/04/2026

10/04/2026

12/02/2026

315ACU Cadets - are you up to the challenge?

🇬🇧 UK ARMY CADET INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE (ACIE) 2026 🇦🇺

Expressions of Interest NOW OPEN

The Australian Army Cadets have been invited to send cadets to the United Kingdom for the 2026 International Cadet Exchange.

📅 25 June – 16 July 2026
📍 Wales | Scotland | London
🎯 Adventure training, military skills & cultural experiences
💰 All expenses covered

⸻

✅ CADET REQUIREMENTS

• Aged 14–17 years (must not turn 18 before or during travel)
• Minimum 12 months service in the cadet program
• Hold or be able to obtain a passport (valid 6 months after travel)
• Meet UK foreign travel vaccination requirements
• Pass pre-selection fitness testing:
– Beep test 5.5 or higher
– 30m swim in AMCU with runners
– 2 minutes treading water
• Parent / guardian permission to apply

⸻

📌 KEY DATES

🗓 Applications to Regional HQ by 25 Feb 2026
🗓 Successful candidates notified 18 Mar 2026

⸻

✍️ HOW TO APPLY

Submit a written application (max half a page) to your Regional Commander.

⸻

🌍 Represent Australia.
🎖 Challenge yourself.
✈ Experience the UK.

Speak to your chain of command for details.

26/01/2026

**Australia Day in the Southern Grampians**

On Australia Day, we celebrate the very best of the Southern Grampians Community with our Australia Day awards.

We are very proud of two recipients from within our local Australian Army Cadet ranks.

Seamus Byron – Young Citizen of the Year

An outstanding young leader making a big impact. As Regimental Sergeant Major of the Monivae College Army Cadets, Seamus leads with maturity and purpose and gives back at every opportunity.

Wayne Nagorcka - Community Recognition Award

Wayne can look back on four decades of service with pride. From policing and firefighting to emergency response, pastoral care, and as an LT(AAC) with 315 Army Cadet Unit, Wayne’s ongoing leadership and commitment to others is nothing short of remarkable.

11/11/2025

Hamilton’s Army Cadets from both 315 Australian Army Cadet Unit - Hamilton and Monivae College ACU supported the RSL Hamilton with the Remembrance Day Service held at the Melville Oval Cenotaph

A strong attendance from the community in cold and wet conditions took a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of our servicemen and women throughout all conflicts Australia has been called upon to stand.

2025 signifies 107 years since the guns fell silent on the Western Front to signify an Armistice and the end of WW1

MAJ(AAC) Sarah McLeish led the service as MC supported by cadets providing a Catafalque Party, Flag Party, wreath assistants, and ceremonial platoon.

Thank you to Baimbridge College, Monivae College, and Hamilton Good Shepherd College Senior Campus for their ongoing support of students in the Australian Army Cadet Program.

Lest we forget.

#

Photos courtesy of LT(AAC) Warwick Dent and MAJ(AAC) Sarah McLeish.

03/11/2025

That’s a wrap for Ex Tactical Vector - Mallangeeba 25.

All cadets and staff have returned home, field gear stowed, and thankful for having had a great weekend around Wannon in Western Victoria.

On behalf of 315 Australian Army Cadet Unit - Hamilton, 316 Army Cadet Unit - Horsham,314 Army Cadet Unit Warrnambool - Public, 48 Army Cadet Unit Mount Gambier, and Monivae College ACU we would like to thank those organisations who supported the activity.

Woolworths - Hamilton
ALDI Australia - Hamilton
Hamilton Lions Club Inc. - Victoria
The Lions Club of Balmoral District
(a brilliant Saturday night BBQ)
Hamilton Steel
Elders Hamilton Portland road
Hamilton Farm Supplies

We’re all looking forward to a busy end of the year with Remembrance Day Services, ATA/CACTC Barrier tests, and end of year Courses Camps.

Things are never dull as an

01/11/2025

Time for some quiet contemplation halfway through a navigation leg on a warm afternoon.

It doesn’t get any better than this.

01/11/2025

Exercise Tactical Vector - Mallangeeba 25 is underway with 315ACU Hamilton hosting 316 Army Cadet Unit - Horsham, 314 Army Cadet Unit Warrnambool - Public, Monivae College ACU, and 48 Army Cadet Unit Mount Gambier.

Over the weekend the cadets will be challenged with 3 core 1/2 day activities. 1-NAVEX, 2-RATEL, Radio networks, CP design & operation, 3-Movement in the bush & observation (including MRUAS use)

Weather is fantastic, Cadets are primed - Game on!!