THE Puckapunyal base opened its doors to the public on Saturday to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy.
Joining Army bases across Australia marking the historic occasion, Puckapunyal’s military servicemen displayed M777 Howitzer drills, an assault bridge deployment, M1A2 Abrams tanks, and uncrewed aerial systems to more than 4000 visitors.
Also on display was the National Servicemen’s Association annual march, and the unveiling of a plaque honouring the national servicemen trained at the 2nd Recruit Training Battalion at Puckapunyal between 1965 and 1972.
Visitors poured through the newly reopened Army Museum where tanks, guns and remnants of Puckapunyal’s history were on display, as well as captured weaponry from World War Two.
The Acting Senior Australian Defence Force Officer at Puckapunyal Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Ozols said it was an important day for the base, giving the soldiers a chance to engage with the community.
“Soldiers are really proud to be able to show people what they do,” Lt-Col Ozols said. “It’s a great experience to be able to explain to someone the work that goes on, particularly when someone goes out of their way to come on the base for the day.
“On a day-to-day basis, for a range of reasons, we can’t necessarily share that work with the community, but this is an opportunity for people who are interested to come and have a look at what we do so that they have a better understanding of how the army prepares for war and the role that we play for government.”
A highlight of the day was the opportunity to check out the Payne of Valour art exhibition in the Memorial Chapel. Focusing on the contributions that Victoria Cross recipient Keith Payne VC AM, and his wife Florence Payne OAM made to the Australian Army, the work displayed a snapshot of what comes after the war, after returning home, and after public recognition.
Designed by a team led by Associate Professor Jola Stewart and photographer Rebecca Fagan, the room was covered in images of key figures in Keith’s life before and after his service years, along with some of his original memorabilia. This was the only display of the Payne of Valour available at Puckapunyal, but the Army Museum will remain open to the public by appointment three days a week between 10am and 4pm. Visitors must book their visit online through Eventbrite.