Cadets celebrate at opening ceremony

“For fun…just add water,” is an Australian Navy Cadet catchcry.

On Saturday the ship’s company of the Training Ship Broome navy cadet unit “just added” a brand new facility.

The purpose-developed premises on Clementson Street in Broome will be the base for future cadet training in sailing, navigation, water sport and seamanship skills.

Broome’s cadets turned out in full regalia for the opening, flags flying and pressed whites gleaming in the morning sunshine.

The formal ceremony was attended by the Australian Navy Cadets director general Commodore Geoff Geraghty, who inspected the cadets’ parade and officially unveiled the TS Broome plaque.

The event was also attended by Kimberley traditional owner Edward Rowe, who conducted an official smoking ceremony, as well as Broome Shire president Graeme Campbell and Norforce commanding officer Major Scott Golden The officer commanding TS Broome, lieutenant Persine Ayensberg said she was “rapt” with the new premises, which has been in the pipeline since 1992.

“This is a great thing for the kids,” she said.

TS Broome has previously operated from premises including Town Beach, Hunter Street and at Norforce throughout it’s nearly 20 -year history.

Cmdr Geraghty thanked all those who had worked to establish the new premises over the years and said the cadets now had an obligation to welcome others and “breathe life into” what would otherwise be just a premises.