League takes flight

By Bridget Brady
The Australian Air League Cranbourne Squadron is pushed for space at their current base at the tennis club at Grant Street, and Officer Commanding David Boyde said it was not viable to stay there if cadet numbers increased.
Young cadets currently used an office as a change room and only had access to one male and one female toilet.
“As we’re continuing to grow, we’re getting slightly pressed for room,” Mr Boyde said.
In the next five years, Mr Boyde said he would like to see the number of cadets grow from 22 to about 50 or 60. A new home would be a must if this were to happen, Mr Boyde said. Casey council will work with Mr Boyde to help the squadron find a suitable location.
Mr Boyde said the squadron also needed more room for drills and storage. He said the group was totally self-funded and needed an affordable option for its new home.
“We’re probably asking for the royal palace but at a dirt cheap rate.”
Mr Boyde said the Australian Air League Cranbourne squadron was founded about 26 years ago, and was a fantastic venture for children.
“We want to get 50 kids off the streets into it.”
Lessons learned were not just about aviation, but also friendship and discipline, Mr Boyde said.
“It’s about more than just pilots. It gives them (children) the respect of uniform and Australian traditions. The ones that come find long lasting friendship. The family feeling among the cadets is phenomenal.”
Mayfield Ward councillor Amanda Stapledon said the Cranbourne air league was a very important group in the community.
“The young members are a shining example of our youth within Casey. The league attends many official functions within Casey including the citizenship ceremonies and Anzac Day march. Finding the right accommodation is something council has agreed is very important and are working with the league to do just that,” Cr Stapledon said.