47 Army Cadet Unit - Keswick Barracks

29/05/2026

PROUDLY HONOURING ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER VETERANS

47ACU is honoured to provide the official catafalque party, flag raisers and honour guard in support of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Veterans Day 2026 Commemorative Service.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging, whilst recognising Indigenous peoples service to this country.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. Lest we forget.

Thankyou as always to Frank Lampard OAM and Ian Smith Co-Chairs of AVSA for the invitation.

LT Riessen🫡

24/05/2026

TAKING THE NEXT STEP 🫡

It is both a pleasure and a privilege to promote our newest 47ACU Cadets. Focus, determination, resilience and diligence has elevated these outstanding young individuals to the next stage of their AAC career.
Hard work recognised and rewarded.

Congratulations and well done all! 👏👏

* CDT McClure
* CDT Bath
* CDT Normandale
* CDT Rauf
* CDT Qureshi
* CDT Welch
* CDT O’Brien

* CUO Buttar also receiving the Purple Poppy Horse for her outstanding contribution and proactive recruiting efforts 🐴🥇

Paratus Ducere 🫡

18/05/2026

ENGAGING OUR COMMUNITY

47ACU Company Commander CUO Buttar recently posed a poignant question:

Q: How can we engage more of our local community in the 47ACU Cadet program?

A: Using the AAC Values as the foundation to show who we are, what we stand for and why we participate.

5 of our cadets stepped up and did exactly that, sharing what the values mean to them.
Each Cadet was recognised with a Purple Poppy animal in honour of their efforts.

Check out their videos on our page!

Congratulations to our 5 AAC Values Champions — thank you for sharing what 47ACU means to you. 🟣🫏🐴🐕🐪

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🟣 47ACU Purple Poppy Value Champions

The purple poppy honours animals who served with loyalty and courage, never seeking recognition. Today we recognise five cadets who bring that same quiet commitment to 47ACU.

SERVICE — SGT Schmidtke 🫏
Simpson’s donkey Murphy carried the wounded at Gallipoli, day after day under fire, serving the unit before self. SGT Schmidtke leads that same way, dedicating himself to community, supporting our unit and the growth of everyone around him. For SERVICE, our purple poppy donkey goes to SGT Schmidtke.

COURAGE — CUO Buttar 🐴
Warhorses galloped into the unknown carrying their riders, brave enough to face what few could endure. CUO Buttar brings that same courage as Company Commander, inspiring leaders to do the right thing and turn every challenge into a foundation for growth. For COURAGE, our purple poppy horse goes to CUO Buttar.

RESPECT — SGT Tooth 🫏
The donkey’s bond with Simpson was built on trust earned through actions, not words. SGT Tooth leads with respect the same way; listening, staying professional, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued regardless of rank or experience. It’s worth noting that SGT Tooth has now received every purple poppy animal; a quiet testament to someone who consistently leads across all our values. For RESPECT, our purple poppy donkey goes to SGT Tooth.

INTEGRITY — CDT Miller 🐕
Military dogs delivered their message through enemy fire and never deviated. CDT Miller acts with integrity the same way - strong morals and doing the right thing, even if no one’s watching. For INTEGRITY, our purple poppy dog goes to CDT Miller.

EXCELLENCE — WO2 Sabu 🐪
Camels endured where others could not, crossing deserts that broke lesser animals, going further than anyone expected. WO2 Sabu leads with that same endurance, understanding that excellence isn’t perfection, it’s the effort he gives when things are difficult and becoming better than the person he was yesterday. For EXCELLENCE, our purple poppy camel goes to WO2 Sabu.

Like the silent heroes of the purple poppy, these cadets never seek the spotlight; yet it finds them regardless.

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📸 (absent: CUO Buttar) 🐴

Paratus Ducere 🫡

10/05/2026

ACKNOWLEDGING EXCELLENCE 🎖️

Congratulations CDTSGT Tom Lockwood on receiving this well deserved Unit Citation!

Tom is exactly the kind of Cadet who makes this organisation proud; a genuine team player whose positive attitude, reliability and willingness to support others has earned him deep respect from Cadets and staff right across the South Australian Brigade.

CDTSGT Lockwood sets the standard for others to follow and is a credit to 47ACU and the Australian Army Cadets. 🎖️

Paratus Ducere 🫡

07/02/2026

WELCOME BACK 47ACU CADETS!

47ACU congratulates CDTWO2 Anubhav Sabu, on his promotion and appointment to Company Sergeant Major (CSM).

This well earned achievement reflects his professionalism, dedication and commitment to the values of the Australian Army Cadets.

We look forward to upholding the 47 standard under his guidance and leadership throughout 2026.

Paratus Ducere 🫡

16/12/2025

Former 47ACU Company Commander, Cadet Under Officer Mihali Motteram is thriving at the Australian Defence Force Academy and his leadership journey is one worth sharing.

“Deciding to enrol at ADFA has by far been the best decision of my life.”

Now immersed in the unique college style environment at ADFA, Mihali is balancing university study with military training; building strong friendships with like minded people and developing both academically and physically. His hard work has already paid off, achieving an overall Distinction in his first year while continuing to improve his fitness and leadership skills.

“If you are looking into university but also want to join the military, I highly recommend looking into ADFA.”

In addition to his academic and military commitments, Mihali was selected into the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition training squad, initially comprising around 30 candidates. Following a highly competitive selection process, the squad has now been narrowed to just 11, with training underway in preparation for the prestigious competition to be held at West Point next year. An outstanding achievement and a testament to his dedication, resilience and teamwork.

Mihali’s success is a credit to his determination and ongoing pursuit of excellence. He stands as a strong example to current cadets considering their next step beyond school.

“Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to everyone at 47ACU. I hope you all have a safe, well earned break and a great year ahead. All the best for 2026”, Motts

Well done OCDT Mihali Motteram, we’ll be watching your career with pride.

Paratus Ducere 🫡

14/12/2025

A momentous achievement for former 47ACU CSM Alex Bogatyrev graduating from Royal Military College, Duntroon 09DEC25.

Wishing you every success LT Bogatyrev as you commence your military career with the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment 🫡

Proudly supported on the day by family, serving members and veterans; all former and current 47ACU mates and staff.

• LCDR (ANC) Ash Ruth –
Former 47ACU OC
• LT (AAC) Adam Riessen –
Current 47ACU 2IC
• GNR Jordan Raslan –
Current 47ACU staff & former Training CUO
• PTE Jesse Ruth –
Former 47ACU Company Commander
• SPR Anton Camilleri –
Former 47ACU Training CUO

13/12/2025

Congratulations to 47ACUs own
CDTSGT Anubhav Sabu on your course completion. Well done that man 🫡

INTERSTATE COURSE

Congratulations to the seven SA Brigade Cadets who were selected at short notice to travel interstate to complete their Cadet Under Officer and Warrant Officer Course.

Our sincere thanks to the Victorian AAC Brigade for hosting and supporting our Cadets. This opportunity has been invaluable in enabling SA Brigade units to continue developing their senior cadets and progressing their leadership goals.