Training Ship (TS) Noarlunga was today awarded ‘Most Efficient Training Ship’ of the year by the Navy League of Australia. The award was presented by the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, attended the presentation with the local Member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth MP. Senator Feeney said it was an honour to be there to see the Cadets of TS Noarlunga recognised for their efforts.

The TS, based in Lonsdale, South Australia, was awarded the trophy because of demonstrated excellence in the areas of teamwork, leadership, ceremonial standard, emergency response procedures, dress and bearing, ability in maritime activities and community support. 

Senator Feeney said he was very proud of the Cadets and volunteers who make up TS Noarlunga.

“Together, they have achieved something they should be proud of and that sets a high standard for other young Australians. 

“This is a development program that provides young Australians with a unique military experience, strengthening the values of the next generation of our nation’s leaders. These values include honour, honesty, integrity, courage, loyalty, teamwork and citizenship.

“These are all values that the Cadets of TS Noarlunga clearly demonstrate,” Senator Feeney said.

Member for Kingston, Ms Amanda Rishworth MP, also congratulated the Unit on their achievement.

“It is so satisfying to see the hard work and dedication of TS Noarlunga formally recognised. Like any Cadet Unit, it is not just the Cadets but also the volunteer Instructors and Officers who make it possible. Congratulations to all involved, it’s well deserved and something our whole community can be proud of.

“It has been a great week for TS Noarlunga, as they have also received a Volunteer grant to purchase a Digital Camera and printer station," Ms Rishworth said.

With a complement of 23 cadets, TS Noarlunga needed to beat 87 other Australian Navy Cadet Units for the award. 

Senator Feeney also congratulated the finalists who were in the running for the award.

“To be in the top five out of 88 highly competitive Training Ships is an achievement that all the Cadets and their communities should be pleased about.  

“It shows hard work, dedication and commitment to their community, not just one day a year, but day in and day out. This level of dedication is what makes Cadets Australia’s premier youth development organisation and why this Government is committed to the program’s sustainment and growth,” Senator Feeney said.

In alphabetical order, the other finalists for the award were:

TS Coral Sea, Daring Flotilla, Queensland
TS Shoalhaven, Defiance Flotilla, New South Wales
TS Voyager, Flinders Flotilla, Victoria
TS Walrus, Gold Coast Flotilla, Queensland

There are currently 88 active Training Ships and satellite units around the nation, with over 2,500 Navy Cadets.

The Australian Defence Force Cadets program has been flourishing in recent years, with newly formed units across the country and a growth of 1,000 cadets.