Santa’s hot to trot on bases

By Flying Officer Skye Smith and
Wing Commander Rick Subotkiewicz

Santa, alias John Tave, and his helpers Kerri O’Keefe from CSIG-A and FLGOFF Emily Linehan of HQ 92WG, arrive at RAAF Base Edinburgh for the annual Christmas Treat.

Photo by LAC Mike Lucas

SANTA had already checked his list twice when he and his helpers arrived via a Search and Rescue helicopter at RAAF Base Williamtown for the 2005 Children’s Christmas Treat on December 2.

The annual Christmas Treat was held for the hundreds of children who have a family member working at the base. A family from the local Ronald McDonald House was also invited to partake in the day’s festivities to provide some respite for mum and dad.

Animal rides, jumping castles, Military Working Dog and fire truck displays, face painting, clowns and magicians were among the myriad of amusements for the children on the day.

Fast jet displays from No’s. 76 and 77 Squadrons were yet another highlight of the treat. No. 76 Squadron performed a two-Hawk formation display, followed by a four-ship Hornet formation and bomb burst by No. 77 Squadron.

Squadron Leader Paul Simmons of No. 77 Squadron, closed the event by wowing onlookers with his solo aerobatic display in the 20th Anniversary F/A-18 Hornet.

After a hard day at the office, Santa revealed that “Bratz dolls and Playstation Twos were at the top of this year’s most sought after gifts”.

The day would not have been possible without the assistance from local retailers in the community including Medowie Hardware, Hunter Family Jewellers, Raymond Terrace Woolworths and Bowling Club, Jacko’s Bakery, as well as the Williamtown Officers’ and Sergeants’ Messes, Defcredit and ADCU who supported the Children’s Christmas Treat through generous donations.

The Treat proved to be a huge success and provided fun for the entire family after what has been a very busy and productive year for those based at Williamtown.

Meanwhile RAAF Base Edinburgh was also abuzz with Christmas spirit on December 2 when members of the local Defence community gathered for their base’s annual Children’s Christmas Treat.

About 2500 family members and a group of special guest children from Camp Quality, joined Air Force personnel in celebrating the festive season. Highlights of the day included rides, face painting, model aero club flying displays, a performance by the RAAF Central Band, static displays and Santa Claus.

This year Santa gave his reindeer a rest, arriving in style by hot rod. As usual, he proved to be a big hit with the children.

Edinburgh Base Commander, Wing Commander David Flood, believed the event sent a vital message to the families of Air Force members.

“This is an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of families of Defence members and their support and understanding. We particularly wanted to involve the families of currently deployed members — it’s just a small way to say thank you.”

This year’s chief organiser, Squadron Leader Di Turton paid tribute to her hard-working committee. “These events don’t happen by chance and once again, volunteers from across the base have stepped forward to give their time for this most worthy cause.”

Squadron Leader Turton then presented the Camp Quality children with a $1000 cheque.

More photos from the bases’ Christmas Treats

 

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