Sydney prepares for ANZAC Day

The Chancellor Professor Marie Bashir with a new army graduate

Located on the main University campus, next door to the Darlington Centre on City Road, Sydney University Regiment (SUR) offers excellent opportunities for part-time careers in the Army as officers who can lead, administer and command soldiers on operations.

Earlier this year the Regiment held a cocktail party to celebrate the recent graduation of its newest Army officers following their successful completion of the First Appointment Course, qualifying them for appointment as commissioned officers in the Australian Army wherein they can command, part-time, a platoon of more than 30 soldiers. The event was attended by the Chancellor, her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, the Pro-Chancellor Mr McCarthy and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hearn all of whom were warmly received by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Kathryn Campbell as well as the staff and students of the Regiment.

SUR will be conducting an Anzac Day Dawn Service this year. Last year's Anzac Day Service was attended by the then Chancellor Justice Santow and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hearn who laid a Wreath on behalf of the University. Students, staff and friends of the University are invited to attend this year's Service in the Main Quadrangle at 5:30am on Friday 25 April 2008.

The Regiment provides training that culminates in residential periods at Royal Military College - Duntroon. The time commitment for Staff Cadets is regular Tuesday night training, some weekend work and some continuous training for periods of up to several weeks. Students can complete their training part-time in a way that works in well with their university timetable and study each year. They learn about military science and technology and practice a wide range of military skills. They acquire excellent learning in leadership, management, communication, planning and a whole lot of life skills that are widely marketable in industry, the private and public sector and can lead to success in all walks of life.

The pathway to graduation is not an easy road. It has the demands you would expect when becoming part of a large, vibrant, progressive and high tempo national organisation with a lot of current operational business. But the rewards include a very meaningful part-time career with unique opportunities to contribute to the affairs of Australia. Staff Cadets receive the benefit of first rate on-going guidance throughout their career in the Reserves, tax free pay and other benefits along with excellent access to ongoing personal and professional development opportunities. And from the earliest days as a reservist they are making a positive difference to Australia's future and those of their families, friends and community.

SUR prides itself as an integral part of the rich and diverse life of the University of Sydney as well as being a key element of the Australian Defence Force. The Regiment greatly values its long organisational links with the University. From this it sees a strong and sustainable partnership into the future with the student and academic community capable of nurturing the evolution of a young community of leaders who can represent the interests of Australia through their careers helping to build peace and security in Australia, throughout the region and around the globe.

SUR parades at Darlington on Tuesday nights and welcomes inquiries from all students, staff and friends of the University.

The Executive Officer, Major Howard Bell (phone 0408 251 849) welcomes inquiries at any time as does the Adjutant CAPT Scott Fuller and Operations Officer CAPT Michael Allison on (02) 9519 6716.

Contact: Claudia Liu

Phone: 02 9351 3191