The Edinburgh Formation Welfare annual family day welcomed all members of the Defence Precinct for an afternoon of fun and appreciation on October 24 at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
This event, attended by ADF personnel, Australian Public Service members, contractors and their families aimed to strengthen community ties and celebrate the families supporting Defence personnel.
Squadron Leader Brendon Knopke, the Officer in Charge for Edinburgh Formation Welfare and Executive Support Officer to the Senior ADF Officer at Edinburgh, underlined the importance of this gathering.
"We wanted to create a day of enjoyment for the families who support our personnel," he said.
"Their commitment deserves recognition, and this event provides the perfect opportunity to show our gratitude."
The family day featured a diverse range of free activities including pony rides, an animal farm, inflatable castles, show rides, face painting, mini golf, racing simulators, and much more.
With well over 2000 personnel joining the festivities, the day was designed to foster connections within the community.
'This day was about more than just fun; it was about appreciation and recognition for all families supporting our personnel.'
Sergeant Nicholas Atterton, a resource planner for 11 Squadron, expressed his gratitude for the event.
"Opening the doors to family members helps provide an understanding of where their serving family members spend their time. Involving families with work, and the social aspect of service life, is shifting to a business focus," he said.
"Morale-boosting events like the Edinburgh family day are increasingly important."
The event also included a static vehicle display from major Army units within RAAF Edinburgh, further showcasing the commitment of Defence personnel.
This display not only entertained attendees but also educated them about the capabilities and equipment supporting their community.
The family day served as a heartfelt reminder of the vital role that families play in the Defence community.
"This day was about more than just fun; it was about appreciation and recognition for all families supporting our personnel," Squadron Leader Knopke said.
"We were pleased to see so many people able to attend, and so many smiling faces, although there were probably a few exhausted parents at the end of the day."
The success of the day reinforces the importance of community within the Defence family, paving the way for future gatherings.
