It was all eyes to the sky at Airshows Downunder Shellharbour 2024 in the Illawarra from March 1 to 3.
The event, previously known as Wings Over Illawarra, at Shellharbour Airport included a careers day and two flying days.
A range of RAAF aircraft supported the show, including a F-35A Lightning II and C-130J Hercules, which performed impressive flying displays.
The crowd were also treated to flying and static displays from 100 Squadron’s historic warbirds, such as the CAC CA-18 Mustang, Cessna A-37B Dragonfly, CA-16 Wirraway, Lockheed Hudson, Canberra Bomber and Supermarine Spitfire.
There was plenty of Defence action on the ground as well, with Air Force flight simulators, an ADF recruitment stall, the famous RAAF hot air balloon and performances by the Air Force Band.
The Navy also supported the event with aviation assets, providing static displays of an EC-135 helicopter and an S-100 Camcopter uncrewed aerial system (UAS). Executive Officer of 100 Squadron and Defence Event Liaison Officer for the air show Squadron Leader Samuel da Graca Costa said the event was an invaluable opportunity for Defence to engage with the public and demonstrate its assets and history.
“Public engagement is one of the keys to promoting Defence as an employer of choice,” Squadron Leader da Graca Costa said.
“We’ve seen thousands of students at the end of their schooling come through over the three days and be exposed to the opportunities within Defence and the motivation and passion of our people.”
He was hopeful the passion will rub off and spark an interest in some of the young people to consider a career in the ADF.
“I wanted to fly ever since I was four years old. You may think there are barriers but just have a go, speak to recruiting and the further you go the more achievable you’ll see things are,” Squadron Leader da Graca Costa said.
“You’ll have a great bunch of people to work with, get to work with top technology, and you’ll be satisfied in the job that you’re doing. All these things make it a really attractive career.”
Airshows Downunder Shellharbour, held by Aerospace Maritime Defence Australia, will be a biennial event.
