“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
75 Years of Rivalry and Respect
This year’s match holds special meaning, as it marks 75 years since the very first O’Callaghan Cup clash in 1950. Among those who remember the early days is Malcolm Powell, a proud TGS Old Boy (1948-52) who played fullback for the First XV in 1951. Malcolm, now in his nineties, still vividly recalls the thrill of those early games. “I watched the first Cup from the sidelines, I was in the Thirds that year,” Malcolm recalls. The fiercest of rivals but the greatest of friends “Downlands won that…
Our Sesquicentenary
The day was filled with reflection, celebration and a deep sense of connection to the generations who have shaped the School’s legacy. From the opening of a time capsule sealed in 1975, to a Sesquicentenary Assembly that honoured our roots and looked to the future, the occasion was a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the TGS community. And of course there was cake! A Message Across Time: Opening the 1975 Time Capsule
Better Together - 2025 IBSC Conference
With its global network of over 300 member schools spanning more than 20 countries, the IBSC advocates for educational opportunities that focus on the holistic development of young men. This year, the IBSC Annual Conference was hosted by Belmont Hill School in Boston, United States, where teachers, school leaders and experts in boys' education gathered under the inspiring theme of "Better Together". Toowoomba Grammar School was proudly represented by Mr Luke Rawle, Ms Abby Varley and Mr Henry…
Reliving the Past, Shaping the Future
Mr Nicholas Hess has been a coach for both rugby and tennis and a boarding supervisor after he finished Year 12 His connection to the School runs deep, from the friendships he formed as a student to his dedication now as a Boarding House Assistant and long-standing member of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). TGS has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has been only too willing to give back to the place that he loves so much. “There’s something special about being part of the Blue and Gold,”…
Never Give Up
Six years ago, after experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, he was given a life-changing diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i). Basically, Matt’s body doesn’t produce the chemical substance, Ribitol which is crucial for muscle function. He was told there is no treatment or cure, that he would be wheelchair bound in five to ten years and require oxygen, with the likelihood of an early death. But Matt would not accept that fate. Instead, he took up the fight – not just for…
A Magical Collaboration - “Midnight: The Cinderella Musical”
A co-production between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, this enchanting musical captivated audiences at the Empire Theatre for two nights in early June, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. A Story Brought to Life “Midnight” is a fresh take on the Cinderella story, featuring music and lyrics by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo, with orchestrations by Anthony Barnhill and additional contributions from Kate Miller-Heidke. The book, written by Dean Murphy and Pip…
Pioneering Excellence: Launching TGS's Athletic Development Program
Our Athletic Development Program represents a paradigm shift in how schools nurture sporting talent—combining cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices and a whole-person philosophy that prepares young men for success beyond the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the Past, Walking Forward Together
This week is an important time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation. The theme for NRW 2025, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on us to honour the past, acknowledge the present and actively build a better future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey guided by reflection, respect and a shared commitment to walking together. As we look back on the…
A Bright Start to our Rising and Leading Series
More than 150 members of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community joined us to hear from leading demographer and data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher, whose presentation sparked fresh thinking about the decade ahead.