Community & Business
8 September, 2024
Landowners flock to Oakey
Families from across the Darling Downs came to Oakey’s Australian Army Flying Museum on Saturday as the Base put on a Show for local landowners.
It was a warm day at the Base as local children had the chance to try out some of the aircraft.
The event forms part of Army’s public relations with the community as a way of the Defence Force giving back to those their operations affect locally.
Static displays of in-service as well as historic military aircraft lined the taxiway outside the Museum’s hanger with plenty more attractions inside providing guests with a close up view of Australian Army Aviation history from the First World War through to contemporary operations.
The Army Band from Enoggera Barracks provided light entertainment for the visitors, who were provided with a free meal.
Surprisingly, the music choices were more in keeping with a pop/indie band in inner-city Brisbane rather than the military marches played at more formal occasions.
Tri-Service Cadets were bussed out in their dozens to the Museum to meet Army Aviation personnel and hear about career pathways.
In a show of solidarity with its Australian counterpart, the Republic of Singapore Air Force brought out its CH-47F Chinook for show.
The Crows Nest Boys and Girls Brigades also made the trip to Oakey in their uniforms (mostly)
It was also a chance for Army families, with current and former connections, to take their families for a day out.
RAAF’s Kelleigh Mengel brought husband Jake and their two children from Toowoomba.
An ex-Defence family spoke about how they had relocated to the area after leaving the service.
The retired serviceman spoke to the Champion about how he and his family had made the move to the Darling Downs and had bought a property where they are able to live off-grid.
“As someone who’s grown up moving around the place, we’re really enjoying the pace of life up here,” he said.
“My wife’s still got her adventurous side, so we’ve got a caravan for trips and we’ve built a cabin.”
Along with the Chinook, several other Army aircraft were wheeled out for exhibition - Army Aviation’s ARH Tiger, AW139 helicopter, Toll Helicopters’ Bell 412 and the Air Force Cadets’ Diamond Aircraft DA40.
Visitor numbers were down on last year, perhaps in part due to the unseasonable temperatures.
Army personnel did their best to cool visitors down with free cool drinks and
the local coffee van did a roaring trade in fruit smoothies.
The annual Army visit to Oakey State High School will take place later this year, with local students set to learn about career opportunities and get their own chance to sit at the controls of an Australian Army aircraft.
One local resident commented online that they had not received an invitation.
In the past, the Army has said that their address list is not always up to date and has encouraged rural residents to make contact.
