Airshow launched
Amberley open day in October

A Mustang warbird and F-111 in formation at the launch of Amberley’s Defence Airshow.

Photo by LAC Euan Grant

AIRCDRE Des Long, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale and AIRCDRE Andy Kilgour unveil the Ipswich Centenary F- 111 tail, painted as a tribute to the close relationship with the city.

Photo by LAC Rob Mitchell

AMBERLEY’S Defence Airshow was launched on August 26 with a dump and burn from a No. 6 Squadron F-111 and a highspeed run by a Mustang warbird.

The airshow will be held on October 2-3 and, being run in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the city of Ipswich, is likely to attract record crowds.

As a tribute to the close relationship with Ipswich, F-111 A8-144’s tail has been painted with the city’s centenary logo. It is the third attempt at running an airshow at Amberley.

The 75th anniversary show in 1996 was cancelled because of torrential rain and the 80th show in 2001 was cancelled in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The Commander Combat Support Group, Air Commodore Andy Kilgour, Head Special Events Air Commodore Des Long and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale faced a large media contingent at the launch.

AIRCDRE Long emphasised the importance of allowing the public to see the skills and professionalism of its Defence Force. “It is a long time since the people of south-east Queensland have had an opportunity to see their Defence Force at work,” he said.

“We know they will not only enjoy the excitement of an airshow, but be enlightened by the many and varied ground displays we have planned.”

AIRCDRE Long said the Amberley event was the highlight of the five-year program of open days at major Air Force bases and Tasmania. To date, successful open days have been held at RAAF Bases Edinburgh and Tindal and in Tasmania.

AIRCDRE Long also urged ADF members in the region to visit the airshow with their families. All personnel in uniform and all Amberley-based Defence civilians with valid ID passes will be allowed free entry.

Admission charges will be $10 for people over 17 and $2 for visitors aged five to 16. Children aged four and under will be admitted free.

All tickets will be pre-sold through Ticketek. For more information see www.raaf.gov.au/airshow.

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