Building Global Friendships: Exercise Venturer ANZUK 2025
12 November 2025
12 November 2025
With the help of ACCT UK grant funding, twenty cadets from Middlesex and Northwest London travelled across the world this summer for Exercise Venturer ANZUK Cadet 25. The two-week exchange in Australia brought together British, Australian, and New Zealand cadets, creating an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture, and new friendships.
The exercise began in Sydney, with cadets welcomed at Timor Barracks in Dundas. Their first encounters with Australian hosts included tours of Lancer Barracks, Parramatta, and a display of military vehicles ranging from the First World War to Vietnam. A highlight was seeing “ACE,” a fully functioning Matilda tank from the Second World War.
Cadets immersed themselves in ANZAC history. Visits to the National Maritime Museum, the Army Museum of Military Policing, and the Army Museum of Military Engineering revealed the heritage and traditions of the Australian Defence Force. At the ANZAC Memorial in central Sydney, the young people reflected on the sacrifices of those who fought in conflicts from the Boer War to Afghanistan.
Cadet Cpl Dosanjh described it as… “A truly unforgettable experience as it gave me the chance to connect with new people as well as reconnect with friends I had made last year, all whilst learning more about Australian history and diverse culture.”
On day seven, the group travelled to Canberra, joined by cadets from New South Wales and New Zealand. They explored ANZAC Parade, lined with memorials to fallen soldiers, before staying at the Royal Military College Duntroon, Australia’s equivalent of Sandhurst.
Here, cadets worked in mixed teams on command tasks, tested their creativity, and built stronger bonds across nations. Cadet LCpl Hagiu reflected… “This trip provided me with a plethora of unforgettable memories, great enjoyment, and most importantly, lifelong friendships both in the UK and on the other side of the planet.”
The cadets also took part in the powerful Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. Here they laid a wreath in memory of Private R. L. Cornwell, who died fighting in Tobruk during the Second World War.
From Canberra, the adventure continued with visits to the Kapooka training centre and a day spent with Australian counterparts in Wagga Wagga. Cadets learned military history, shared presentations, and even played in a tri-nation rugby match.
For Cadet LCpl Andrew Corneschi, this day stood out.
“It was one of the best cadet bonding experiences I’ve had, and it really represented the spirit of ANZUK.”
There were also sobering moments. In Cowra, cadets reflected at the site of the Cowra breakout of 1944, where 235 Japanese prisoners lost their lives. A wreath-laying at the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery offered space for reflection on the consequences of war.
The latter part of the trip gave cadets a chance to see more of Australia’s landscape and culture. At Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, they rode cable cars, descended the steepest railway in the world, and explored forest trails.
Cadet WO2 Erturk shared: “My favourite part of the trip was going to the Blue Mountains and enjoying the sights as well as riding the cable cars and sky rail train.”
Back in Sydney, cadets crossed the Harbour Bridge, sailed by ferry to Manly, and visited the Sky Tower, experiencing spectacular city views. These moments balanced cultural learning with camaraderie and fun.
For many cadets, this trip marked the first time they had travelled so far from home. Cadet LCpl Abdulkadir admitted she was nervous.
“When starting ANZUK I was utterly scared as it was my first international trip ever… Yet meeting the Australians and understanding their heritage, culture and history, especially the indigenous, made me grow as a person.”
Others valued the independence and confidence gained from new challenges. Cadet Sgt Manson said: “This trip especially has been extremely formative for me… Our packed activity programme allowed us to get to know both Australia and the other cadets. I found it fascinating to compare the differences in cadet experiences within the different countries.”
From exploring Parliament in Canberra to forging new friendships, cadets returned home with new skills, greater confidence, and fresh perspectives. They learned that while cultures may differ, the values of service, teamwork, and remembrance unite young people around the world.
Cadet Sgt Englishby expressed gratitude to ACCT UK donors and fundraisers: “The ANZUK experience was truly once in a lifetime. Connecting with cadets from both Australia and New Zealand allowed us to build lasting friendships and gain a deeper appreciation for their cultures and perspectives. Your support made this journey possible.”
Exercise Venturer ANZUK Cadet 25 showed the power of international exchange to inspire young people. Thanks to ACCT UK’s support, cadets discovered history, developed leadership skills, and built enduring friendships.
As Cadet LCpl Morgan summarised: “Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Great to build some relationships that will persist for a long time.”
For the cadets who travelled across the world, those relationships and the confidence built will serve as a legacy long after their cadet journey ends.