428 Squadron - Newtown - Geelong

428 Squadron started in the 1970s under the command of FLTLT(ATC) Ian Hopper as 28 Flight. It has been based in Newtown for the duration of it's existence.

Unit Patch

In the 1980s FLTLT(ATC) Gary Rowan started developing the unit patch for 28 Flight with a drawing of the Geelong Cat to identify with the Geelong Cats Football team (of whom Gary was a fierce supporter) and added wings to connect the image to the aviation focus the then Air Training Corp had. In 2001 when the Air Training Corps became the Australian Air Force Cadets 28 Flight became 428SQN. In 2006 FLTLT(AAFC) Beth Flanagan oversaw the development of the 428SQN Banner where the hot air balloon was added to pay homeage to the 28 SQN RAAF who among other duties flew the RAAF Balloon until that was transferred to the Central Flight Training School.

Recruiting

We have opened our recruiting for 2025 at 428SQN.

A recruitment information night will be held? on Wednesday 27th November from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. The address is 48 Sherbourne Terrace, Newtown VIC 3220. This night will be for new Cadets that will begin in Term 2 2025.

The information night will consist of three stations in which you will be able to experience a small insight into what we do here at the AAFC 428 Squadron, as well as an information presentation beforehand, these stations will consist of the following:

1. Uniform sizing - a station will be set up to measure the cadets for uniforms so we can order in preparation for the next term. (15 minutes)
2. Drones - there will be a station set up with drones to provide an opportunity for cadets to experience drones and have a go at flying them (hopefully no crashes will be involved). (15 minutes)
3. Fieldcraft - a station will be set up with a team-building exercise in which cadets will get a small taste of what to expect on activities (15 minutes)

There will be? an information presentation at the beginning of the night that will provide insight regarding the AAFC; its objectives, goals, and opportunities provided to Cadets, as well as an introduction to our staff and any activities upcoming for the year. (30 minutes)

We will also use these nights as an opportunity to answer any questions that you may have and go over your application in preparation for processing and enrollment.

Please note, the recruitment from this information night will be for new Cadets that will begin in Term 2 2025. We will not be starting the recruits in Term 1.

There will also be an additional information night held in Term 1 (date to be confirmed) as well as a Recruitment Orientation Night prior to commencement in Term 2.