MLC School Army Cadet Unit

The Establishment Parade of the MLC School Army Cadet Unit marked an important milestone in the life of our school community: the formal beginning of a newly raised, all‑female Army Cadet Unit grounded in tradition, purpose, and leadership.

Guided by the command philosophy ‘Dare to Lead. Walk with Purpose’, this unit has been established with clear expectations, strong values, and a commitment to developing confident young women of character. While our unit is young, its foundations are strong, built on the proud traditions of the Australian Army Cadets and the enduring ethos of MLC School.

At its heart, this unit is about leadership. Leadership grounded in integrity, courage, and respect. Leadership that challenges cadets to step forward, support one another, and serve with pride, both in uniform and beyond the parade ground.

A central guiding principle of the unit is the belief in choosing the hard right over the easy wrong. Cadets are expected to act with honesty, courage, and accountability at all times. Whether in green or in blue, on parade or in daily life, character and integrity remain non‑negotiable.

The culture of the unit is anchored in four core values:

  • Courage – doing what is right, even when it is difficult
  • Teamwork – working together, supporting one another, and putting the team first
  • Initiative – stepping up, solving problems, and acting with confidence
  • Respect – for others, for the unit, for the community, and for self

Leadership within the unit is defined not by rank alone, but by example. Cadets are encouraged to lead through conduct, preparation, communication, and care for those around them. Safety, integrity, and accountability underpin every activity, ensuring a positive and supportive environment where all cadets can grow.

The MLC School Army Cadet Unit is more than a co-curricular. It is a leadership development space designed to build confidence, resilience, and purpose. Through realistic and engaging experiences, cadets learn to persevere, reflect, support one another, and celebrate success together, always with perspective, humility, and good humour.

As this unit takes its first formal steps on parade, it does so with pride and conviction. These young women represent the future of leadership at MLC School, committed, capable, and ready to serve.

Together, we will build a unit that inspires, endures, and leads with strength, service, and integrity.

– CAPT(AAC) Xavier Maling