The Barracks mark 100 years of aviation

More than 200 people gathered at the ABC Southbank’s Iwaki Auditorium on Saturday, November 1 for a concert celebrating 100 years of military aviation in Australia.

Organised by the Victoria Barracks in Southbank, the free concert featured the renowned Air Force Band, which played its third and final concert as part of a centenary celebration tour.

The audience was treated to musical works related to military aviation including a spectacular rendition of Stravinsky’s masterpiece The Firebird Suite, which provided the finale to the concert.

The Air Force Band’s commanding officer and director of music, Squadron Leader Mathew Shelley said the finale summed up what was a rousing performance.

“The conclusion showcased the precision, agility and excellence of the Air Force Band,” he said.

“The audience really enjoyed all the musical works, which were all related to military aviation.”

Military aviation in Australia dates back to March 1914 when the first military flight took place at Point Cook.

That plane was constructed of wood, linen and wire and powered by a single 50 horsepower engine that flew with a top speed of 64 kmh.

Having advanced a long way since in aviation technology since those days, Squadron Leader Shelley said the milestone was an occasion well worth celebrating.  

“It is amazing to consider how far we have come in military aviation and I believe 100 years of tradition, innovation and evolution is highly worth celebrating and commemorating,” he said.