202 Army Cadet Unit - Blacktown

202 ACU has been hard at work, below are some highlights.

Public Affairs Team📸

21st-22nd of February, CDT Connor Furey and CDTSGT Rain Portuguez participated in the Public Affairs 1 course at Timor Barracks. They now form the Public Affairs team for the 202 Australian Army Cadet Unit along with CDTCPL Frost.

“I wanted to do the public affairs course to gain additional skills and uniquely contribute to the unit” — CDTSGT Rain Portuguez.

“I wanted to do the public affairs course to learn new skills and to advance my current skills” —CDT Furey

“I chose the Public Affairs course to improve my communication and media skills and to represent my unit in a professional way.” – CDTCPL Frost

As the public affairs team, their role is to photograph, document, and create posts for the unit's page to inform the public about activities and events.

First Aid⛑️

On March 2nd, 24 cadets of 202 ACU conducted a first aid course provided by the registered training organisation ‘Next Peak' during our weekly parade night, being taught in proper CPR techniques, use of equipment such as an epipen and puffer, and bandaging fractures and snakebites along with the DRSABCD, a systematic approach to responding in a first aid scenario. Our cadets who have completed this course will be recognised as first aid and CPR qualified, able to provide vital, decisive care to others.

Ex Pheonix🐦‍🔥

On the 20th-22nd of march 202ACU hosted its first bivouac. Recruits from 202ACU joined recruits from 204ACU to complete learning outcomes such as moving in a section, cooking rations, and hygiene in the field.

Cadets got to experience a variety of fun activities, including the overwater obstacle course at the Holsworthy swimming pool. On the field, our cadets refined their discipline, followership, leadership, and fieldcraft skills through the conduct of various training such as section formations, camouflage, Vehicle checkpoints, and field engineering.

SERVICE

Over the weekend, 202 ACU covered many services for ANZAC Day.

25th April
Blacktown - Supporting Blacktown Sub-Branch
Pinegrove Memorial - Supporting Rooty Hill Sub-Branch
West HQ - Supporting Rooty Hill Sub-Branch
Sydney City March with 22BN, also supporting British Combined Forces

26th April
Cherrybrook - Supporting Hindu Council Australia

202 ACU has a strong connection to the community. We thank all cadets and staff who helped make the day truly special as always.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW

Matthew Cole
Former CDTSGT
2005-2010

Matt said his cadet career were some of the best times of his life growing up. He was thankful for the leadership at 202 ACU that believed in him.

The biggest highlight of his time in the program, was when he was successful in obtaining a fully paid spot to walk the Kokoda Track in PNG. This is 96km on foot in rugged terrain. At the time Blacktown Sub-Branch was offering these through an interview process and Matt was successful. He said it was an experience of a lifetime and he learnt so much about himself.

As an adult, Matt lived in Canberra but has since moved to Brisbane. Since leaving cadets, he has built a great career in car sales, he owes it to the program in providing him the confidence which he definitely requires today in his full time employment.

If you are a former cadet of 202 ACU, we would love to hear what you are up to now. Please reach out and tell us your story!

On 30th March 2026, we had a visit from the NSW Commander COL Cameron.

During his visit, he presented the Marksmanship Challenge Coins for the WTSS Marksmanship Challenge in 2025.
202 ACU had 3 cadets make it into the top 100 of shooters.
CDTLCPL Gopinath Nathiya, ranked 35
CDTCPL Dekker, ranked 45
Former CDTWO2 Fleming, ranked 63

COL Cameron with the assistance of 22BN CO MAJ(AAC) Laslett, presented a Silver Commendation to our OC - CAPT(AAC) Jackson.
The Commendation was for her tireless work over many years to digitise and modernise processes at 202 ACU. Special mention to her unit growth, improved compliance and enrolment model.

Congratulations to all, as always 202 ACU reaches beyond the line of sight !

Proud of our cadets from 202 ACU who attended, this adds so much value to your cadet career.