Defence and Council teaming up for Air Tattoo at RAAF Amberley in 2022
03 May 2022
Ipswich skies will be filled with Royal Australian Air Force aircraft when Ipswich City Council partners with Defence to stage the inaugural Ipswich Amberley Air Tattoo on Saturday-Sunday, 29-30 October 2022.
Australia’s largest Air Force base, RAAF Base Amberley, will open its gates to the public for the first time since 2008, as part of the Air Tattoo.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said RAAF Base Amberley holds a special place in the heart of the Ipswich community.
“We are very pleased to partner with Defence on what will be the most magnificent gathering of air power here in Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.
“Ipswich is the home of Australia’s largest Air Force base, which provides over 5,000 jobs, while our city’s broader defence sector generates over $1.4 billion in annual export value.
“So many people in Ipswich have close Defence connections. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase those close ties.
“This is an ideal opportunity to show off what Ipswich offers in terms of defence jobs, investment and capabilities for the future.
“Ipswich boasts a bourgeoning advanced manufacturing and defence hub around RAAF Base Amberley with TAE Aerospace and SAAB Australia in Bundamba and the Rheinmetall facility in Redbank.
“The air tattoo will add another bright chapter in Ipswich’s rich defence history.
“We are also seeing unprecedented growth in the defence sector and this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Ipswich and what we have to offer the nation.”
RAAF Base Amberley has been an integral part of the Ipswich community for more than 80 years, first commencing operations in 1940 during World War II.
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chair, Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said the Air Force aircraft will conduct flypasts over the base during the two-day event.
“There will also be aircraft on static display on the ground as well as a range of military equipment on display showcasing the capabilities of a number of Australian Defence Force units and squadrons,” Cr Jonic said.
“Members of the public will also get the chance to see the Air Force aircraft flypasts at designated viewing hubs free of charge in Ipswich, Springfield and Rosewood.
“This is very exciting, not just for Amberley, but for the whole city as there will be vantage points across the region enabling more people to see and share this once in a lifetime air spectacular.”
Details on how to obtain tickets for the RAAF Base Amberley open days will be released in June.