Army on public display in Brisbane

Thousands of people from the south-east Queensland community passed through the gates at Gallipoli Barracks for its open day at Enoggera, Brisbane, on June 15.

CAPTION: The general public enjoys festivities at the Gallipoli Barracks open day, Enoggera, Brisbane. Story by Captain Cody Tsaousis. Photo by Private Andrew Shaw.

Crowds were enthralled with dynamic and static displays demonstrating Australian Army capabilities – the most notable of which was the ‘Red Berets’ from the ADF Parachuting School conducting a parachute display jump.

The C-27J Spartan fly past also proved to be a crowd favourite.

An explosive detection dog demonstration by 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, section attack from 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), and an Australian Army Band Brisbane performance were also major drawcards.

CAPTION: An explosive detection dog demonstration draws in the crowds at the Gallipoli Barracks open day. Photo by Corporal Dustin Anderson.

A swarm of visitors gathered for the AW190 helicopter take-off, which blew the crowd away – figuratively and almost literally.

The opportunity to get a close look at the state-of-the-art Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle was a highlight of the day for some.

For Francesco Schiavi and his kids Flavio and Julio, the opportunity to take everything in and enjoy the sheer size of Duncan Oval made for a great day out.

“It was a great day, the sun was out and the kids were loving it. They saw the tanks and the helicopters, which was very exciting for them,” he said.

“It’s really great that the Army puts this on for the community because it’s a pretty rare opportunity.

“On top of seeing the vehicles, the highlight was just letting the kids run around in the open space and browse around to all of the different stands.”

CAPTION: A Red Beret parachutist prepares to land at the Gallipoli Barracks open day. Photo by Private Andrew Shaw.

People considering a career in Defence were treated to up-close looks at Army vehicles, including Boxers, Australian light armoured vehicles, M1 Abrams, Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, and M113AS4 armoured personnel carriers.

Commander 7th Brigade Brigadier Giles Cornelia said it was an excellent day, and thanked the south-east Queensland community for their support.

“It is so important that we reinforce the strong and mutually beneficial relationship that Gallipoli Barracks soldiers have with the south-east Queensland community,” he said.

“We are locals, part of the community; and the community have turned up in droves today to support us.

“Our bond with the region has been moulded through tough times – especially in recent years – so we appreciate the chance to interact with everyone here today in a much more cheerful setting.

“Whether it’s families with young children enjoying the food, ride and dogs, or people considering a career in Defence, it has been fantastic to see so many people taking an interest in what we are – a profession, an institution and a fighting force – and what we do here at Gallipoli Barracks.”

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