122 Army Cadet Unit Mackay Region

11/06/2026

DRONE RACING: looking forward to a fast paced weekend, Cadet Rikus DuToit took to the sky today, flying Mackay to Melbourne, where he'll represent the North Queensland Army Cadet Brigade at the National Drone Racing Championships, held at Simpson Barracks.

Keen to hit the track, CDT DuToit will be looking to progressively cut his lap times over the weekend as he matches up against drone racing pilots from around Australia.

A great weekend no doubt in store for racers and spectators alike.

Go North Queensland 🥇 Fast times and tight laps.

Australian Army Cadets - North Queensland Brigade
Australian Army Cadets

06/06/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Brayden McDonald, a dedicated and spirited 14 year old Cadet who was not only part of our Unit for more than a year, but also a bright and cherished presence in our lives and friend to many.

This week we came together as a Cadet Unit to celebrate his life and find comfort in each others support, during a time of Reflection and a Parade Ground Service.

We are deeply grateful to those who joined us, especially Army Chaplain Maltby from 3CER in Townsville, and to those across the ADFC, the RSL and the wider community who have reached out since we received news of the vehicle crash.

In condolence, let us continue to keep Brayden and his Family in our thoughts and prayers.

03/06/2026

UPDATE: 15 names received, thank-you.
URGENT RESPONSE NEEDED
All Cadets in their 2nd or above year, a rare military-like experience has become available to 10 Cadets. All the details in an email sent tonight to Cadets and parents of "non-Recruits". Response required by 10am THU 04 June if interested. Apologies for short notice. Need to have weekend of 27/28 June available to attend.

25/05/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to Private Murray Macgroarty, having recently graduated from Kapooka into the Corps of Infantry.

Former CDTSGT Macgroarty, after many years with our Unit, was sworn in earlier this year, and will now attend Singleton for Initial Employment Training with the School of Infantry.

23/05/2026

THE PERFECT CLASSROOM
In the cool of a tropical rainforest, an Ampitheatre in the warming sun after an 11 degree night, we finally get a weekend in the bush that's not raining 😃

19/05/2026

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 2026

Proudly supporting the development of Army Cadets across Australia.

This National Volunteer Week, we recognise and thank all Army Cadet Staff (ACS) and Defence Approved Helpers (DAH) for their dedication, leadership, and ongoing service to our young people and communities.

Your commitment continues to make a lasting impact. Thank you!

10/05/2026

DINNER TIME: as the nights start to cool, it's a signal that the Unit's annual Formal Dinner is not far away.

The Cadet Unit has conducted Formal Dinners since we were redesignated as "122RCU" in 1988, the first signature in our Dinner Guest Book being that of Keith Payne VC, fortunately for the Cadets over the years a frequent guest.

Through our Formal Dinner activities, cadets experience the traditions of service etiquette, learning how to present themselves with pride, confidence and composure.

Meanwhile, our Recruits gain hands‑on experience with food and drinks table service, supporting these events, developing teamwork and attention to detail. It’s a great way to build real‑world hospitality skills while understanding the discipline and courtesy that define Army culture.

Attached are some Dinner photos from across the years, many of the Cadets pictured having gone on to serve in the ADF. Looking forward to next month's Dinner.

10/05/2026

Happy Mother's Day 🙂

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

03/05/2026

DRONES, DRILL & DRUMS: the long weekend provided an opportunity for an additional voluntary training day for Mackay and Whitsunday members.

A keen group of Cadets in each subject, the day was spent upskilling in their areas of interest.

Drone Racing and the simulators proved popular, we are fortunate to have enough computers for a large group.

Drums and bugles was a surprise, with quite a few Cadets with previous Trumpet or other similar brass instrument experience picking up the Bugle reasonably well.

The encouragement for Steyr Drill was sights set on nomination for the 2027 RSM-A Drill Team, all doing excellent work.

But it wasn't all had work. Time was spent relaxing at the BBQ lunch, plus catching up with mates, not often so far this year that Mackay and Whitsunday members get together in training.

A very productive day.

Australian Army Cadets - North Queensland Brigade
Australian Army Cadets

02/05/2026

SCRUBBY: Army Cadets local to the Walkerston area attended the recent Dawn Service with members of TS Pioneer ANC & 105 Squadron AAFC.

Walkerston- Pleystowe RSL Sub-Branch Inc