Gold honour for Gawler cadet

Cadet Flight Sergeant Casey Dibben, the Cadet Squadron Warrant Officer of No 608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron, has received her Gold Award badge in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

CAPTION: CFSGT Casey Dibben received her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award badge on Friday 10 August from the 6 Wing Public Affairs & Communication Officer FLGOFF(AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an enriching program in which young people aged 14 to 25 participate in a number of activities over a set length of time to qualify for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

The Gold Award takes particular commitment, perseverance and focus – especially when it is undertaken as ‘direct entry’, which means a minimum time commitment of 18 months.

CFSGT Dibben received her badge in an award ceremony at the 608 Squadron depot, and will receive her certificate in a formal ceremony at Government House Adelaide later in the year.

The Award was founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

It now operates in more than 130 countries and territories across the globe, helping 14 to 24 year olds to become committed, responsible and fulfilled citizens of the world.

The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is a youth development organisation set in a military and aviation environment, administered and actively supported by the Royal Australian Air Force.

In many ways, cadet service is a perfect fit with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

For her Skills section, CFSGT Dibben completed 52 hours, at an average of one hour per week, improving her music skills while composing a song.

For her Physical Recreation section, CFSGT Dibben completed 52 hours of drill and ceremonial training, and held command appointments at public ceremonies such as Catafalque Party Commander for the Anzac Day services in Gawler, and a Malaya & Borneo Veterans’ commemorative service in June.

For her Service section, CFSGT Dibben completed 78 hours of voluntary service as a junior non-commissioned officer within the AAFC, with the intention of holding leadership roles and being a role model to junior cadets. The Commanding Officer of 608 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Philip Brow said, “Casey was promoted to Sergeant early last year, and it was a great pleasure for me to promote her to Flight Sergeant in March this year. This award tops off an exemplary five year cadet career”.

Her Adventurous Journey involved developing her leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills. CFSGT Dibben’s Residential section was based on her skills development during a non-commissioned officer course, living on base at RAAF Edinburgh, in order to be promoted to Cadet Sergeant.

Air Force Cadets are permitted to wear their Award badge on their Service Dress uniform above the right breast pocket. Uniquely for the Gold Award, they may continue to wear the award badge if they go on to become staff members.

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