A Brief History of 31 ACU - Norwood
1972 – An Idea
3 students – Michael Irving, Mark Venables and Darren Whitehead – Proposed the idea of a Cadet Unit to Norwood High School Principle, Lionel Waterson.
1974 – It’s Official!
3 Cadet Battalion formally approved the raising of a school cadet unit at Norwood High School.
1974 – Recognition
Recognition is given to the officers and staff of the cadet units of Melbourne High School, Camberwell Grammar School and St Joseph’s College for their support and assistance for NCO and CUO training which was vital in the development of the Unit in its early years.
1976 – Restructure
In 1976 the Australian Army Cadet a corps was re-structured. School cadet units which were once considered the elitist, were being disbanded. Norwood Cadet Unit never officially disbanded but instead was renamed and re-designated as 31 Regional Cadet Unit.
1976 – Unit Diversity
Lt. Anne Beasley was appointed the Unit’s first female Officer of Cadets, permitting female cadets to be recruited into the unit.
1982 – Relocation
31 Regional Cadet Unit relocated from Norwood High School to 4 Combat Engineer Regiment on Dublin Road, Ringwood East.
1988 – Capt. J Irving Retires
Capt. John Irving retired from 31 Army Cadet Unit and as Commanding Officer in 1988, and was succeeded by Maj. Richard Gough who had previously served as Quartermaster since joining the Unit in 1978.