“WO1 Sheppard has the right skills to get the job done and is committed to achieving all the tasks set to him during his time in rank, to the best of his ability.””— MAJ (AAC) Gary MacLachlan
Erik Sheppard – making Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadet Unit history
The 2024 Dining in Night was made even more special with the appointment of the first Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadet Unit (TGS ACU) Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Erik Sheppard who was awarded his rank and pace stick by the 16th Battalion Commanding officer MAJ (AAC) Gary MacLachlan.
WO1 Sheppard enlisted in the TGS ACU just before the COVID shutdown in 2020. Although this was not the ideal way to begin a cadet career, he was able to adapt and overcome the virtual parades, lessons via Teams and the continuously evolving COVID situation to come out stronger and more determined to achieve all he could within the TGS Army Cadets.
WO1 Sheppard attended his first promotion course in 2021 and was promoted to the rank of Corporal. As a Corporal, he demonstrated his commitment to Cadets by attending all Home Trainings, leading his section of recruits during Bivouacs, attending the Annual Field Exercise as a Section Commander and was fortunate enough to fly in the Army’s MRH-90 helicopter during the Oakey Aviation Centre’s Open Day.
Following on from 2022, WO1 Sheppard attended the Senior Leadership and Instructors Course in 2023 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During 2023, he completed three rounds of Weapons Training at Oakey, attended Oakey Aviation Open Day and was successful in the preselection for 2024 National Adventure Training Award.
At the end of 2023, interviews with the TGS ACU Commanding Officer were conducted with the inclusion of position preferences for the new year. WO1 Sheppard proudly nominated for both Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of TGS ACU and Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the 16th Battalion.
16th Battalion Army Cadets is the largest of all the Southern Queensland Battalions and is made up of school-based units including the Anglican Church Grammar School, The Southport School and St Paul's Anglican College. During 2024, WO1 Sheppard hopes to visit each of these units to see how they run and what they are doing to make the Army Cadet program all it can be.
MAJ (AAC) Gary MacLachlan had nothing but praise for the dedication and fortitude demonstrated during the recruitment phase.
This week, WO1 Sheppard along with SGT McKenzie are at the National Adventure Training Award in Tasmania. During this activity, the cadets will be tested through a multitude of challenging experiences including canyoning, abseiling, hiking and kayaking. Once complete, they will be awarded the prestigious ATA ‘golden boomerang’ badge, which is one of the highest honours in the Army Cadets.
WO1 Sheppard said he initially joined out of interest but quickly learnt that the TGS ACU was an opportunity to mix with new people and he said he has made some exceptionally good mates.
He credits cadets with helping him develop as a person and particularly hone his public speaking skills, “it has helped me look at problems from a new perspective as well as helping to increase my confidence when talking to other people and talking in front of larger groups of people.”
He said he is honoured to be the first RSM in TGS ACU history and explained the rank is a source of drill and dress knowledge for the younger cadets and he is aiming to uphold that standard.
Erik said he also wants to convey his experience, “my plans this year are to try to bring down some misconceptions around Cadets as well as try to bring the 16th Battalion closer together.”
“It’s a great way to meet new people as well as increase your confidence and have a lot of fun in the bush with your mates and do things you wouldn’t normally be able to do.”
TGS ACU is looking forward to watching and learning from WO1 Sheppard as he shares his leadership and stewardship with the younger recruits. TGS ACU is proud to welcome the first RSM ever in the Unit’s history and wish him all the best.
Latest Blog
The TGS Interact Club - the Reward for Work Well Done
The Interact Club successfully raised over $10,000 last year for charities and services on a local, statewide and international scale through the hard work and commitment of its members. With these funds, the Interact Club has donated Backpack Blankets to Toowoomba's homeless, helped AEIOU's efforts in supporting children with autism, contributed to the "Are You Bogged Mate?" campaign for rural mental health and raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As well as many other individual…
A Question of Character
In an age bursting with technological innovations and an overwhelming abundance of information, the present era appears to be characterised by a swift and unrelenting pace of change. Our society, young and old alike, finds itself constantly bombarded with provocative and sensationalist narratives. The media floods our consciousness with constant streams of global dilemmas, highlighting the flaws of our leaders, uncovering corporate or political scandals, and bringing conflicts and tragedies…
Coping with Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both your son and for parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24 hours until the next call – you are often left worried that they are feeling like this all day. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad and in most cases it’s temporary and things usually improve as your son settles in. The reality is that…
Introducing Gabe Robbie, the new Head of Curriculum
I am excited to be joining the staff here at Toowoomba Grammar School in the role of Head of Curriculum. I grew up in a small coastal town in NSW and attended the University of Sydney to complete my undergraduate degree. Please don’t hold my NSW origin against me (Go Blues!). Teaching, and education, has always been a passion of mine and ever since I was in high school, the plan was to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a double degree in Education and Arts, majoring…
What Old Boys Have Contributed to TGS Over Time
The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80) From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold…
TGS Strength and Conditioning Program
Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness. The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a…
We Knew Them Before They Were Stars
Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields. The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in…
Country Roads Take Me Home
Toowoomba Grammar School boarding provides the ideal living environment for our boys while they develop the values that will define their character. Throughout the course of this year, I have been privileged to visit many of the towns and properties that our TGS boarders call home. When walking around those towns wearing a shirt with a TGS crest, it doesn’t take long to meet an Old Boy or to be asked about one of the boarders currently at the School. Our boarding staff pride themselves on…
TGS Corfe House - A Home for Young Boarders
In Toowoomba Grammar School’s Boarding Program, Years 5 to 7 students reside at Corfe House – a nurturing environment providing close pastoral support and guidance to the School’s youngest boarders. The skills, relationships and perspectives that boys develop here set them up for the rest of their boarding and school journey. Toowoomba Grammar School understands the challenges for young students transitioning into boarding. Leading the way in creating a ‘home away from home’ is the Corfe House…