General News
31 October, 2026
Local cadets commemorate Beersheba
Honouring local involvement in overseas conflicts and preserving history for future generations are core commitments of the Horsham RSL sub-branch, which it fulfilled Tuesday night when Horsham’s 316 Army Cadet Unit toured the memorabilia collection and heard from speakers.
Honouring local involvement in overseas conflicts and preserving history for future generations are core commitments of the Horsham RSL sub-branch, which it fulfilled Tuesday night when Horsham’s 316 Army Cadet Unit toured the memorabilia collection and heard from speakers.
Lieutenant Kylie Speirs said the unit attended the RSL as a precursor to Remembrance Day.
“It happened to coincide with Beersheba events as well, and it's just to give the cadets a better understanding of the ADF involvement in conflicts overseas, and just that appreciation for what we fought for,” she said.
The cadets heard from RSL historian Sally Bertram, and former vice president of the US Army Small Ships Association and Merchant Navy Officer Dave Lloyd.
The upcoming 109th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba on Saturday was a key focus, and speakers discussed the heroics of the 4th Light Horse Brigade, which included many young men from the region.
Local involvement in the Battle of Beersheba, the last great cavalry charge in history and a crucial turning point in the Middle Eastern theatre of the First World War, reflected the core values of cadets: service, courage, respect, integrity, and excellence.
Horsham’s community-based youth cadet unit, the 316 Army Cadet Unit, parades weekly on a Tuesday night and does a range of activities and community service.
The 316 Army Cadet Unit is open to 13-18-year-olds, and encourages anyone interested to check them out.
“(The) Army Cadet staff, we oversee the kids, and they run the program pretty much,” Lieutenant Speirs said.
“We will set a program, but the rest of it's pretty much up to them, and we just supervise.
“They do a fantastic job; they’re really amazing with what they can achieve.”