Robertson Barracks Open Day - Darwin

Above: A member of the public gets up close and personal with soldiers and a Eurocopter Tiger ARH at the Robertson Barracks Open Day in Darwin on Sunday 20 October 2024.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended the Robertson Barracks Open Day in Darwin! The event drew in crowds eager to experience the excitement of Army life firsthand. Attendees had the chance to explore military vehicles, watch capability demonstrations, and chat with soldiers about their roles in the ADF. The family-friendly day also featured a variety of food stalls, children’s activities, and community displays, making it a memorable occasion for all ages.

Unit PT

Above: Nothing like unit PT, in 90% humidity, for three hours, to really bond together

Images courtesy of Defence

Repco Bathurst 1000 - Mt Panorama

Above: Team Army's project Digger participates in a racing demo during the 2024 Bathurst Repco 1000 Supercars event at Mount Panorama, New South Wales

The Australian Defence Force was on show at the 2024 Bathurst Repco 1000 – Supercars with various displays and demonstrations throughout 10 Oct 2024 – 13 Oct 2024. Motoring enthusiasts stopped to speak with Royal Australian Navy sailors, Australian Army soldiers and Air Force aviators. The event’s trackside entertainment including a parachute display by the Army’s Red Berets, Air Forces Hot Air Balloon and Air Combat Group flying display as well as the Australian Army Band live performances and a helicopter static display.

Above: MAJ Graham Anderson entered the racing track to showcase Team Army’s ‘Matilda’ Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen during the 2024 Bathurst Repco 1000 Supercars event at Mount Panorama, New South Wales.

The ADF values the support of the local community and is proud to support community events such as Repco Bathurst 1000 – Supercars. Participation provides an opportunity for Defence to showcase its technological capabilities and diverse career opportunities to the Bathurst community and broader Australian public.

Images and information courtesy of Defence 

Australia to provide Abrams tanks to Ukraine - Canberra

Above: Army M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank fires its 120mm cannon during a live-fire serial for the Coral Balmoral Cup 2024 at the Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria.

The Federal Government has reinforced Australia's commitment to Ukraine by announcing the donation of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Valued at approximately $245 million, this latest military assistance package will significantly enhance Ukraine's firepower and mobility. The tanks will bolster the capabilities of Ukraine’s armoured brigades, complementing the support provided by international partners. This announcement brings the total value of Australia’s military assistance to Ukraine to over $1.3 billion, with overall support surpassing $1.5 billion since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The M1A1 Abrams tanks, a key asset in the Australian Army for countering threats and defending against enemy fire, will now contribute to strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities. Australia is also advancing the transition of its own defence forces by replacing the M1A1 fleet with the newer M1A2 tanks, while retaining some of the former to facilitate the upgrade. In addition, the Australian Defence Force continues to play a vital role in training Ukrainian troops under Operation Kudu, further demonstrating the nation’s commitment to ending the conflict on Ukraine's terms.

Image and information courtesy of Defence

Army senior enlisted leaders cultural immersion - Arnhem Land

Above: Army senior enlisted leaders, and soldiers from the Northwest Mobile Force with elders of the Djambarrpuyngu Clan, members of the Gong Dal Corporation, Mutjung Rangers, Yirralka Rangers and the Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Centre at the conclusion of a cultural immersion near Gapuwiyak in Arnhem Land

From September 30 to October 3, Australian Army senior enlisted leaders undertook a cultural immersion in the traditional country of the Djambarrpuyngu people of East Arnhem Land. Six Regimental Sergeant Majors including Regimental Sergeant Major – Army Warrant Officer Kim Felmingham travelled to Gapuwiyak to learn more about indigenous warrior culture and Army’s connection to the area through the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit of World War 2.

Above: RSM - Ceremonial Warrant Officer Class One Peter Kirkman watches as a Djambarrpuyngu elder makes resin from the bark of ironwood tree roots during a cultural immersion near Gapuwiyak in Arnhem Land.

The immersion included carving the traditional indigenous weapons of the area under the guidance of Yolgnu elders, eating traditional bush food and sharing stories of the land. The aim was to give senior leaders a greater understanding of the culture and how they could effectively introduce Indigenous culture and weapons into Army’s ceremony. The immersion was the first of three planned as part of Project Greenskin, an initiative from Army Headquarters to tell Army’s stories and maintain traditions from Army’s history.

Image and information courtesy of Defence