PRESS RELEASE: The Southport School Celebrates 120 Years of Cadets – Historic milestone to be honoured at upcoming ANZAC Day Ceremony
The Southport School (TSS) is marking a significant milestone in 2026, celebrating 120 years of its Cadet program—one of the most enduring school-based leadership traditions in Australia.
The milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on a rich legacy that dates back to the early 1900s, when the first published image of the TSS Cadet Unit appeared in 1907. That moment, captured in The Southportonian, unknowingly documented a generation of young men—many of whom would go on to serve in the First World War, with some never returning home.
Among them were former students Archibald Hewland Raymond and Mervyn Dane Collings, whose story reflects the deep bonds forged through the Cadet program and school life. Their shared journey—from classmates and cadets to service on the front lines—remains a powerful reminder of the values of service, sacrifice and mateship that continue to define the program today.
Now one of the largest combined Army and Navy Cadet units in Australia, the TSS Cadet program has, for more than a century, developed young men of character through training in leadership, teamwork, resilience and community service.
Director of Cadets and Outdoor Education, Jason Sten, said the milestone reflects both history and ongoing purpose.
“The legacy of The Southport School Cadet Unit endures through ongoing service to the local community. Our cadets continue to play an important role in commemorative events, and I thank our staff and Cadet NCOs for their enthusiasm and tireless efforts in making the program a success each year,” Mr Sten said.
Cadets at TSS are actively involved in supporting community commemorations, providing cenotaph parties and honour guards at significant events including ANZAC Day, Korean Veterans’ Day, Vietnam Veterans’ Day and Kokoda Day.
As part of this landmark year, TSS will host its annual ANZAC Day Ceremony at 5am on Saturday, 25 April TSS Campus, Winchester Street, Southport.
The ceremony will bring together students, staff, Old Boys, families and the wider community to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women.
TSS Cadets will lead key elements of the service, including ceremonial duties and formal parade proceedings—continuing a long-standing tradition central to the school’s identity. Mr Sten also acknowledged the contribution of this year’s senior cadets in preparing for the event.
“Congratulations to the 2026 Senior Cadets for their preparation and conduct of this year’s ANZAC Day Service. We are proud of the leadership they demonstrate and the example they set for future generations.”
For 120 years, the Cadet program at The Southport School has remained a cornerstone of the school’s commitment to developing servant leaders—young men who understand responsibility, community and the importance of contributing to something greater than themselves.
As the school reflects on its history, it also looks forward to the future, continuing to build on a legacy that has shaped thousands of students and contributed meaningfully to the wider Australian community.
