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OTU Association National Reunion
April 25-28, 2013
Click on the heading above, for full details of all events.
The reunion button on the right hand side will take you to the Reunion website.
Vision Statement
The OTU Association exists to provide a vehicle for the ongoing connection, and networking and support for all those associated with OTU. The Association is dedicated to the commemoration and remembrance of the Scheyville experience and the contribution made to Australia by all those involved. The association seeks to provide fellowship for its members. The association encourages and supports the development of leadership in young Australians.
"let's keep the blokes together"
Chairman's Welcome
Most of us remember our "Scheyville Experience" with great affection. In a positive way it changed our lives and our attitudes forever.
The OTU Association was established in the 1980's to ensure the continuation of the memories and to allow Scheyvillians to celebrate their unique experience together. As well, it sought to put something back into the community. The fostering of youth leadership was, and still is, regarded as the most appropriate avenue for the latter purpose.
Over recent years we have consolidated our membership base and significantly upgraded our website. Our work in Youth Leadership has expanded with support given to a good number of State initiatives in this field. We have provided assistance for State activities and Class reunions.
Our high quality journal “The Scheyvillian” has been published and circulated quarterly.
On the administrative side, the OTU Association is now incorporated in the State of Victoria – thereby affording our office holders a degree of legal protection. In addition, the constitution has been revised to accommodate the requirements of this incorporation and, to cover the inevitable changes as the organisitation ages.
The Association is affiliated with the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia. We contributed to the National Service Memorial which was dedicated in September 2010 and is located at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, ACT.
Full National Council meetings (including the State Chapters) were held in 2010 and 2011 thus giving the Association a firm direction for the future.
Input from members on any aspects of our operation would be greatly appreciated.
All members are encouraged to use this web site to keep abreast of what is happening in the Association and to update your personal details should they change.
To access the 'members only' section of the web site, you need to log on. To do that you go to the Member Log In box and entering your Regimental Number and Surname.
If you are planning a Class reunion, or Chapter activity, please send the details through to National Secretary, Roger Nation at this email address. He will post it on the website.
The website is only as good as the information it contains. Please use it often, update it as necessary, and spread the word of its existence to fellow Scheyvillians.
Nil bastardum carborundum
Frank Miller (4/67)
National Chairman
The Scheyville Experience
The Officer Training Unit at Scheyville NSW existed for only a brief eight years, yet the impact on those who experienced it has lingered for more than four decades.
Raised on 1 April 1965, near the town of Windsor, outside Sydney NSW, the unit’s purpose was to train young officers to serve in the Australian Army during their two years compulsory national service.
During the National Service Scheme of 1965-73 some 800,000 young Australians were registered for call up, with 64,000 (8%) selected by ballot based on their 20th birthday date and called up for two years service. Of these 64,000 national servicemen 2700 (4%) were selected for a 21 week make or break course at OTU Scheyville and only 1880 finally graduated as Second Lieutenants around their 21st birthday. Statistically they are a unique group of men.
The experience at Scheyville had in most cases a major impact on their lives. For many it was one of the most intense experiences they would encounter. For others it changed their lives forever. Some served on in with distinction in the regular Australian Army, with many reaching the rank of Brigadier and many earned gallantry awards in Vietnam and Malaysia. Others went on to make a substantial contribution to Australian society through careers in politics, business, law, public service, education, sport, the arts and sciences and on the land.
This unique group of men won the hard earned respect of the army and OTU Scheyville has gone down in the annals of military history as one of the Army’s great successes.
For those that went through the OTU Scheyville, be they staff or cadets , that shared experience has created a bond that has lasted for decades. Throughout the world Scheyvillians keep in contact with each other through the OTU Association, regular reunions and get togethers and they maintain friendships and a camaraderie born of the Scheyville Experience.
As the decades roll on life appears not to weary them and news is always filtering through of the strong spirit of adventure and confidence that is the hallmark of those that passed through OTU Scheyville.
This website is principally for the purpose of communicating with those who experienced OTU Scheyville, but it is also available to those who are simply interested in a unique chapter of Australian military history.
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