By Laura Michell
A former air force cadet from Sunbury is on a mission to return his squadron to Hume.
Matthew Lillywhite, 19, was a member of Australian Air Force Cadets 407 squadron, which was based at the Maygar Barracks in Broadmeadows.
In 2016, the squadron was moved to the Menin Barracks in Moonee Ponds and combined with 416 squadron while officials searched for a new and improved home base for the group.
Mr Lillywhite said the squadron was initially told the relocation would last 12 to 18 months.
But in late 2018, 407 squadron was decommissioned and its members redeployed to other groups.
The decision means young people from Hume must travel to Sunshine, Moonee Ponds or Kyneton to take part in Australian Air Force Cadets.
Mr Lillywhite has launched a campaign to have 407 squadron reinstated and returned to Hume, believing it should be based in Tullamarine, Sunbury or Broadmeadows.
“There is a huge area of young people who don’t have easy access to the cadets, and to me it seems like a very short-sighted decision,” he said.
“I want other young people in Hume to have access to the same opportunity that I had and that I am so appreciative of.”
Mr Lillywhite said his three years in cadets taught him valuable skills ranging from leadership and administration to how to iron his uniform and sew.
“It was a sensational opportunity,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be able to run this campaign without the skills I learnt in the cadets.”
Mr Lillywhite has gained support for his campaign from Hume council, federal McEwen MP Rob Mitchell and state Sunbury MP Josh Bull.
A Department of Defence spokesman said 407 squadron was moved to Moonee Ponds “due to the state of facilities” at Maygar Barracks.
“The decision to combine the units was made with the view that should Maygar Barracks be able to provide better options in the future or another site was located in the area, the Australian Air Force Cadets would pursue these options if and when they became available,” he said.
