Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Senator Sandy Macdonald has today congratulated the Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) Rifle Team which will compete in an annual target shooting Championship at the historic Bisley Range in the United Kingdom (UK). “This is a marvellous opportunity for eleven cadets who will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and gain marksmanship credibility in the international arena against teams from all over the UK and Canada,” Senator Macdonald said.

“More than 2,500 services and school-based cadets from throughout the Commonwealth will compete in this premier Championship,” he said. Senator Macdonald said the 2006 ADFC Target Rifle Team continues a tradition that began when the first Australian team competed in the inaugural Coronation Contingent in 1911 as part of the coronation celebrations for King George V. “I wish these cadets the best of luck, in what is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “I would also like to thank parents and the community for the support provided to enable the cadets to compete. Without financial support from parents and sponsorship from the local community, this trip would not be taking place.”

The team of nine Army Cadets and two Air Force Cadets will depart tomorrow (29 June 2006) and will compete from 6-13 July. The visit will be hosted by the Ministry for Defence UK and the Council for Cadet Rifle Shooting UK. The cadets will also visit a number of historic cultural and military sites in the UK and Japan as part of the tour. The Bisley Tour involves three competitions: the British Inter-Services Cadet Rifle Meeting, the Schools Meeting and the Golden Jubilee Imperial Queen’s Competition. A farewell reception for the team will be held at 6:30pm today (28 June) at Sydney Boys High School in Moore Park, Sydney.