Werribee resident Amy-lee Banks says that being in the Australian Army Cadets has taught her about mateship and being a good person.
Ms Banks joined the Werribee Secondary College unit of the Australian Army Cadets (AAC) in 2012.
Upon finishing Year 12, she moved to the AAC’s Sunshine unit. After ageing out of cadets at 21, she became an admin officer and then Commanding Officer of 30 ACU Sunshine.
Ms Banks said her role involved running the unit, which has more than 60 teenage cadets.
“This position offers a wide variety of tasks and it’s my responsibility to inspire the upcoming leaders of the organisation,” she said.
“I enjoy being in a position where I get to see the quiet and shy kids come into the unit and see them grow over the years to become high ranking cadets that are confident and real leaders.”
Ms Banks has also represented the AAC in Greece and been a flag bearer during ANZAC Day parades in Melbourne.
“The cadets has also given me many adventurous activities to partake in such as abseiling off the side of a cliff, caving, cross country skiing and rifle shooting (biathlon),” she said.
Ms Banks said the AAC has “taught me how to be a good person in society” and about mateship.
“No matter how far the distance, a friend you make in the AAC will stay a friend for life,” she said.
Ms Banks is also completing a Bachelor of Youth Work at Victoria University while working part-time and has recently become a proud mother to two-month-old son Noah.
