By Eleanor Wilson
The Berwick squadron of the Australian Air League (AAL) recently welcomed its newest cadet – and despite being just eight years old, he has aviation running through his veins.
Syrus Moffat-Donovan was presented with his membership certificate by AAL chief commissioner Ian Rickards OAM at a ceremony in Berwick on Wednesday 22 March.
Syrus’ grandmother Lucienne and grandfather Ron met in the air league, where Ron rose to the rank of commissioner and was awarded MSA and DSA.
He was the federal field commissioner for 21 years and then federal operations commissioner, in total dedicating 46 years to the AAL.
Much of his time in the league was spent with chief commissioner Rickards, who reflected on their friendship fondly at the ceremony.
“I first met Syrus’ grandfather Ron at Niddrie squadron in 1968 when he was an 18-year-old warrant officer,” he said.
“He and I became the best of mates and spent many happy hours developing squadrons within the AAL.”
So much is Ron’s contirbution to the AAL, that the Victoria Group has named a Moffatt Wing in his honour.
His father, Syrus’ great-grandfather, John, dedicated 50 years to the AAL at the Niddrie Squadron and was the Victorian group council chairman.
Lucienne, who was present at the ceremony to see her grandson carry on the family legacy, joined the Ringwood squadron in 1967 and rose to the rank of Wing Captain, serving as Wing OC and officer commanding Niddrie Girls Squadron for two of her 11 years service.
Together, the Moffatt family have 107 years of collective experience in the AAL.
Syrus’ parents were not formally involved in the AAL, but mum Stacy Moffat said she was pleased to see her children show an interest in aviation.
“Because it was such a big part of [my parents’] lives, I was involved just going along every week, so I never thought to join,” Ms Moffat said.
“Now that I have my own children, it just came up in conversation one day and I thought that’d be great for him to join and I thought he’d really enjoy it.”
Ms Moffat said her son has “fit right in” to the Berwick squadron, which consists of cadets aged eight to 18.
“It’s good to get them in a group of good kids and to have role models, learn about respect and discipline…especially today with all the youth crime.”
Within the Air League, Syrus and fellow cadets learn aviation skills including ceremonial drill, physical training, model aircraft building, aviation theory classes, training in first aid, lifesaving and camp craft.
