NTS Gympie, Gympie’s navy cadet unit, is likely to close after 22 years
After more than 20 years of operation, the Gympie navy cadets unit is facing extinction, despite the efforts of a small group of residents intent on keeping it alive.
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The Australian Navy Cadets Gympie unit is preparing for probable closure after 22 years, with no one suitable to take the reins.
The news comes after the two staff who were charge of the unit resigned at the start of 2025, leaving the branch in limbo.
Since 2021, Lieutenant Commander Chris Moyle ANC has operated the Daring flotilla, a group of cadet units spanning Sandstone Point to Gladstone, and announced the probable closure on Monday, July 1.
He said a recent town hall meeting took place to find suitable adult volunteers for the unit, but none emerged.
The cadet units are youth development programs supported by the Australian Navy with a maritime focus.
“It can involve drones, STEM, robotics, sailing and powerboating,” Lieutenant Moyle said.
“(The closure) is disappointing. There’s a small group at Gympie that are really passionate about keeping the unit.”
Despite their advocacy, without anyone to volunteer and with low numbers, there is not much that can be done, he said.
NTS Gympie, the unit’s official name “has never been fully recognised as a training ship of Navy Cadets”, the lieutenant said, with the average membership of 12 requiring 20 for official recognition.
With the closest cadet units in Maryborough and Caloundra, the lieutenant said “geography is a limiting factor” compounding the effects of the likely closure for current and future cadets.
Despite its low membership, Lieutenant Moyle said NTS Gympie had built itself up over the years, after starting with just three cadets.
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