Term 3 has commenced in fine fashion and it was pleasing to see our young men return to the College for Semester 2 with vigour and enthusiasm. It is hard to believe that we are officially over halfway through 2025 and for our Year 12 cohort, they have commenced their last term as students of Holy Cross College. I wish them all the very best as they prepare for their Trial examinations which are due to commence in Week 3.

At the end of last term we held our annual Cadet Passing out Parade. It was a wonderful event and included all the pomp and ceremony that would be expected for such an occasion. We were honoured to have Colonel Warwick Young CSC, OAM join us as the reviewing officer. His address really resonated with me and I asked him to send it with me so I could share with our community. There is much to take away from his speech and I am sure that each of us can apply some of these messages to our own lives.

It is both an honour and a privilege to be here today as the Reviewing Officer for this Annual Parade.

To the young men who make up this Cadet Unit: your presence here affirms your school’s commitment—and that of the Australian Army—to what I believe is the premier youth development program in the country: the Australian Army Cadets.

You may not realise it yet, but the skills you’ve learned through Cadets—leadership, teamwork, discipline—will stay with you. The ability to delegate, to empower others, and to work towards shared goals is a life skill that will serve you well across all aspects of your future, no matter the path you take.

Today’s Passing Out Parade is an opportunity to reflect. Think about what you’ve achieved—not only in this unit, but also in your school and community. The friendships you’ve made, the knowledge you’ve gained about service and responsibility, and the pride you feel today—these will stay with you.

These achievements are underpinned by the values of Defence and the Army Cadets:
• Service – The selflessness to place others and our nation before self.
• Courage – The strength to do what is right, even in adversity.
• Respect – The humanity to treat others with dignity and compassion.
• Integrity – The consistency to act in line with what is right.
• Excellence – The commitment to strive each day to be your best.

Whether or not you go on to serve in the Australian Defence Force, these values are a blueprint for good citizenship and a meaningful life.

To the Holy Cross College Army Cadet Unit: I commend you for your dress, drill, and bearing on parade today. Your achievements—both individual and collective—are significant and worthy of recognition.

I know you will face challenges in life, but I also know that the skills and qualities you've built here will help you meet them with confidence and resilience.

Looking around, one thing is clear: you are well supported. By your families, your school, your community. And so, on your behalf, I thank your supporters. Without their encouragement, you may not have reached this milestone—and with their continued support, you’ll be even better prepared for the road ahead.

It is also a little surreal for me personally. It doesn’t feel that long ago that I stood on a parade ground much like this, at Barker College, back in 1983. I was 17. I still remember standing in the ranks, listening to some old bloke like me speak—and now, here I am, over 40 years later, speaking to you.

My time as a cadet gave me great memories and experiences that shaped my life. The values I learned then are the same values that the Army and this program continue to uphold today. They remain as valid and powerful now as they were back then.

Perhaps the most important of these lessons is resilience—the ability to get back up when you fall, and to help others rise when they stumble.

Life isn’t always easy. It’s filled with challenges and setbacks alongside triumphs. But it’s how you respond to setbacks that defines you. As former U.S. President Richard Nixon once said after the Watergate scandal:
“Only if you have been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.”

Resilience also teaches us to maintain a positive mindset. One of my favourite quotes comes from my mother, and I think it captures that spirit perfectly:
“There is no such word as Can’t. Can and Not cancel each other out. Therefore, you can do anything you put your mind to. Aim for the stars and at the very least you will hit the moon.”

To the graduating cadets, today’s award recipients, and those stepping into leadership roles—congratulations. Continue to set the example for those who follow.

And finally, I leave you with this:
“The world doesn’t say yes easily. Be inspired by failure, not defeated, and above all keep in mind your goal.”

Thank you for allowing me the privilege to review today’s parade—and once again, congratulations.

With my best wishes for the weeks ahead.