Geelong Squadron takes flight again

LOCAL air cadets in Geelong are back at their home base following an extended absence brought on by the pandemic dating back to 2020.

The Australian Air League’s Geelong Squadron was revived by its national administrator last month and local participants are now back in their Bell Post Hill venue at Cobradah Community Homestead.

“As soon as the pandemic began here in Australia, we had to move from in-person learning to online classes and opportunities pretty quickly,” acting officer in command of the Geelong Squadron Bryan McGrath said.

“We weren’t particularly set up for it, but we were able to adapt quickly. However, it came down to lack of retainment from families that led to us closing down the squadron at the time.

“But we’ve reached a stage where we can operate at a normal capacity again, and we have had already 20 people express interest to re-join following our community information night,”

The Air League, which was formed nationally in 1934 and is entirely run by volunteers, aims to help young Australians get into aviation whether it be for as a passion, a hobby, for the workforce, or the military.

Air League services and programs are catered to anyone from ages 8-18 with participants taking part in major events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations.

“It’s a really effective way of learning about aviation and beginning to learn those stem subjects related to flying,” Mr McGrath said.

“Geelong has a long history of involvement with the Air league, hosting squadrons since the 1940s. There was a point when cadets could fill the entire stadium at Kardinia Park.

“So we look forward to trying to garner a similar level of interest and welcoming more Geelong cadets back to the Air League.”

Squadron meetings, named Parade Nights, take place once a week in Bell Post Hill at Cobradah Community Homestead from 7-9pm each Tuesday during school terms.

Anyone interested in joining the Geelong Squadron of the Australian Air League is encouraged to email Bryan McGrath at [email protected] or to contact the league via the website airleague.com.au