Community & Business
13 November, 2025
Future of Defence celebrated
Leading Cadet Gabrielle Frame from Australian Air Force Cadets 209 Squadron was awarded the 2025 Gregory Robert McClatchey Memorial Bursary at the Oakey RSL Reunion Dinner.
LC Frame was recognised for her rapid development since joining the Cadets, excelling in the values of Service and Confidence.
Oakey RSL Sub-Branch President Mark Carter said his sub-branch was proud to continue the legacy of WO2 Gregory Robert McClatchey through the bursary.
“Each year the Oakey RSL Sub-Branch presents a Bursary to a worthy member of the 209 Squadron Air Force Cadets, stationed at Swartz Barracks,” Mr Carter said.
“This award recognises an outstanding cadet each year and the Committee and Members of Oakey RSL Sub-Branch congratulate Leading Cadet Gabby Frame for her exemplary service which has made her a worthy recipient of this award.
“We also congratulate the 2024 Bursary winner, Leading Cadet Isabella Fermino for her promotion to Cadet Corporal.
“Oakey RSL encourages school students to join the Air Force Cadets and enjoy all the adventures Cadets have to offer, be part of a great team, especially if they are considering joining the Australian Defence Force.”
Mr Carter announced that while Mr McClatchey’s bequest had run out this year, the Oakey RSL sub-branch would continue to award the bursary next year.
At the RSL’s 91st Annual Reunion Dinner, Mr Carter also hinted that a partnership for a youth program with Emu Gully at Helidon was in the works.
Emu Gully, an education centre at Helidon, which runs team-building adventure activities with military themes, welcomes 20,000 participants each year.
Its CEO Guy Hawkins was the guest speaker at the RSL Reunion Dinner and said telling Australia’s military history through stories was a fundamental part of the Helidon centre’s programming.
One of the Centre’s signature events is ‘The Challenge’ which focuses on experiencing and demonstrating the character values of courage, mateship, sacrifice and perseverance.
The core activities have a distinct military theme with names such as the Western Front, Siege of Tobruk, Bridge over the River Kwai, Hellfire Pass, and the Kokoda Track.
“Emu Gully’s goal is to shape great Australians,” he said.
At one point during his speech, Mr Hawkins asked 209 Squadron who their youngest cadet was (the answer was 13) and said the youngest ANZAC to die in combat had been only 14, having lied about his age.
Mr Hawkins said during conversations with Oakey RSL he had been learning about the RSL’s commitment to youth through its Youth Charter, which states:
“The Returned & Services League of Australia believes that the future well being & prosperity of this country depends upon sound democratic governance.
This must include the nurturing of the Youth of Australia to ensure that the strength, vitality and security of our Nation is preserved and enhanced.
“The League acknowledges that young people have rights and responsibilities as citizens to participate in community affairs and play a constructive role in society.
To further this Charter the League should look for opportunities at all levels within the RSL and in communities to originate, support and encourage youth activities which espouse these values.”
