18 September 2024
The gates to Perth’s Irwin Barracks were open to the public for the first time in almost 15 years when 13th Brigade hosted the long-awaited open day late last month.
More than 3000 people enjoyed a glimpse of Army life and a fun-filled day of demonstrations, vehicle rides, music, laser tag, bouldering, food trucks and even a best-dressed pet competition.
It was an opportunity to display the units and soldiers of 13th Brigade and other organisations within the wider Defence community, including Legacy and RSL WA.
Commander 13th Brigade Brigadier Amanda Williamson said such community engagement events showcased different parts of service life that many people wouldn’t normally see.
“The open day has been a great success. I’ve met many people keen to explore a career with the Army, and I’ve seen lots of great engagement with our unit displays,” Brigadier Williamson said.
“This engagement is really timely, as one of my key priorities is to grow this brigade. Going forward, the intent will be to host an open day every year.”
Representatives from the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army Cadets were on hand, and ADF Careers hosted a steady stream of potential recruits.
'It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces of all ages come through the gates and engage with us.'
A clear hit with the younger attendees were rides in a military vehicle around the bushland of the barracks.
Other highlights included an obstacle course demonstration run by the brigade physical training instructor, interactive mine detection classes with soldiers from the 13th Engineer Regiment, and a chance to get up close and personal with multiple weapon systems under the close supervision of soldiers from 16th and 11th/28th Battalions of the Royal Western Australia Regiment.
The 10th Light Horse Regiment re-enactment troop displayed an historically accurate representation of the beloved Light Horsemen, while the modern-day regiment highlighted its reconnaissance vehicles, small arms and anti-armour capabilities.
Stealing the show, however, were the furry friends of attendees when Legacy WA hosted a best-dressed pet competition, awarding prizes for the best military-themed pet costume.
Event organiser Warrant Officer Class Two Chris Wainwright said the day was a great opportunity to bring Defence closer to the wider WA community.
“It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces of all ages come through the gates and engage with us,” he said.
“We can’t thank the community enough for the way they have gotten behind us, and come out to Irwin Barracks in such numbers, despite the wind and rain.”
13th Brigade is one of several brigades within the 2nd (Australian) Division of the Army, based at Irwin Barracks in the Perth suburb of Karrakatta.
