Arriving in style at the Twilight Spectacular, Pt Cook. Photograph by SGT David Grant

Ten thousand people turned out to celebrate the RAAF's 80th anniversary in style, at the place where it all began.

'The main thing is to celebrate the people of the past and to recognise those that will be our future,' Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Errol McCormack said. 'The RAAF is, and will continue to be, a great institution.'

Sir Neville McNamara, who served as Chief of the Air Staff from 1979 until 1982, and who first trained at Point Cook in 1942, said he was extremely proud to be a part of the 80th anniversary celebrations and was heartened to see that it was being done right, by people who are proud of their heritage.

Base Commander, Wing Commander Con Nannery, commented that it was a great challenge, responsibility and pleasure to be hosting the important occasion, adding that the theme of the day was to celebrate those that had served in the past and to reinforce a commitment to the people of our future.

It was a sentiment that echoed throughout the day, which began with the Air Force Week Church Service. Taking up the theme, Chaplain Air Commodore Thompson said that while aircraft, bases and infrastructure were important components, people and the sense of belonging to a community were what made our Air Force whole.

The Service led into the evening and the traditional 'Beat the Retreat' ceremony, which also celebrated the contribution of past serving members. One of the highlights of the evening was the emotional tribute to the four AFC/RAAF Victoria Cross recipients.

The RAAF Central Band play the traditional Beat the Retreat for the Pt Cook birthday celebrations. Photograph by SGT David Grant

The Retreat (now known at Point Cook as the Twilight Spectacular) began with a parachute jump by the commando skydivers complete with the enormous RAAF flag that was welcomed by the enthusiastic spectators.

This was followed by a RAAF Museum fly past that featured Mustang, Harvard, Winjeel and CT4 aircraft. The Sopwith Pup replica and Tiger Moth fly past provided a touching moment in the program, given their significance as one of the first types operated by the RAAF and one of our most important trainers, respectively. The always-impressive Roulettes who followed with their remarkable display, seemed even more polished than usual.

The presentation of the Colours, itself a symbolic practice, was made even more significant by the occasion and more theatrical by the sunset backdrop, a moment which was not lost on the audience.

The Federation Guard thrilled the crowd with their precision timing. The Guard was followed by a parade of the Air Training Corps, celebrating their 60th anniversary, made somewhat difficult by the impending nightfall.

The RAAF Central Band showed their versatility, playing music from each of the decades since the RAAF's inception, including an version of the 1980s' Men At Work tune Down Under which had many in the audience on their feet, and concluding with the Air Force song.

The first of the RAAF's parade grounds and the only gravel parade ground remaining in Australia was a sight to see - hemmed in by the cypress pines and only just recovered from a soaking rain less than a week before.

It was a magnificent sunny day and a cloudless evening. No location could have been more atmospheric or more apt.

Story by Teena Cardillo