217 (City of Redland) Squadron - Australian Air Force Cadets

On behalf of the Cadets and Staff of 217 (City of Redland) Squadron, welcome to our website. This Squadron (SQN) is a part of the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) which is the Aviation arm of the Australian Defence Force Cadets. The Australian Air Force Cadets is considered by many as the premier youth organisation in Australia. Our aim is to develope young Australians aged 13 - 20 years of age in a military and aviation environment.

At 217 SQN we take great pride in 'Training Tomorrow's Leaders'. Our aim is not only to develop the youth but also to;

Give cadets a foundation of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) knowledge and discipline;
To develop qualities of leadership, self-reliance and initiative;
To develop character and good citizenship in the widest sense;
To develop an interest in the RAAF and aviation generally;
To instil a knowledge of aviation history; and
To encourage cadets to continue an active interest in aviation into their adult life

217 Squadron - Commanding Officer

Commanding Officer

Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rowbotham

Last Updated ( Monday, 17 March 2008 )

Former Cadet joins Air Force

Friday, 02 May 2008

5 years ago Cadet Under Officer Matthew Sullivan dreamt of becoming a Pilot and flying for the Air Force. After graduating from ADFA and recently completing his Flying Training at 2 FTS in Perth, he has finally realised his dream. Matthew has commenced at 38 SQN Based in Townsville flying the DCH-4 Caribou aircraft. Pilot Officer Sullivan will undertake his Combat Survival Training early next month

before he starts his conversion training on he Caribou in June. Matthew joined 217 SQN in 1998 and spent 6 years with us prior to his acceptance into ADFA. Matthew now joins a select few who’ve been a Cadet at 217 SQN and gone on to become an Air Force Pilot.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 June 2008 )

Veterans Program Launched

Wednesday, 30 April 2008

A WW2 RAAF Navigator, Mr Bill O'Conner helped launch our Veterans Program for 2008. Bill was a Navigator flying on both Boston Bombers and Beaufighter aircraft in the Pacific during the Second World War.

Bill shared with the Cadets some of his life experience during those tough times in the pacific and spoke emotionally about how they, the Cadets and our future generations are so important to keeping the Spirit of ANZAC alive forever.

Members from the Redlands Branch of the RAAF Association (RAAFA) also attended the launch with speakers from the RAAF , RAF and RNZAF shareing with the Cadets their learnings from their time in 'Blue'. The SQN's Veterans Program is in it's 7th year and is the only formal program in the State where Veterans come together with Cadets to learn and understand our history and traditions with a view to the future.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 21 June 2008 )

ANZAC DAY 2008

Monday, 28 April 2008

With more than 12,000 poeple attending the Cleveland Dawn Service and a record crowd attending the Redland Bay Dawn Service, the people of the City of Redlands came out in force to support ANZAC Day.

The main Street parade saw crowds line the streets, in some places 5 deep all showing their support and appreciation for the Veterans.

As the Host Service for this year's ANZAC Day our Squadron once more stood tall and put forward a great effort, the RSL's 'Guest Of Honour' for the Services, Air Commodore Roger Harrison AM, Director General Cadets - Air Force, was extremley impressed with our Cadets, their turn out and performnce.

Well Done ! TEAM

Last Updated ( Friday, 02 May 2008 )