LOCAL LIFE
Soaring centenary: RAAF Base Richmond
celebrates with airshow by Maryann Callaghan
RAAF Base Richmond, home of the thundering C-130J Hercules, is turning 100-years-old.
To mark this prestigious occasion the Base is opening its gates to the community for a spectacular ground and airshow over the weekend of 27 and 28 September.
Sky-high flying spectacles and ADF military ground displays will be primed, polished and perfectly coordinated on the 270-hectare Base showcasing Defence Force capabilities and Defence aerospace, training and engineering.
While some 80,000 on-Base admission tickets sold out online within five days, families will still be able to see( and hear) aerial flying displays from various vantage points across greater Richmond.
Ground exhibits for those lucky enough to have secured tickets will include various aircraft and their crews along with Air Force Security Forces, military working dogs, aero-medical evacuation, explosive detection, firefighters, drones, simulators, virtual reality, Air Force Cadets and bands.
According to Defence, the RAAF Richmond Airshow 2025 is an opportunity for the Airforce to build on its community relationships- a sentiment echoed by Deputy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
“ The Airshow celebrates the rich history of the RAAF Base Richmond in supporting the Hawkesbury region [ and ] showcases our incredible ADF personnel and capabilities to the local community,” Mr Marles said.
Airborne muscle, speed and jaw-dropping aerobatics are sure to be the most highly anticipated drawcard for all ages across the district.
Expect to see the F-35A Lightning II, EA-18G Growler, Roulettes Aerobatic Team, C-17A Globemaster, C-130J Hercules, C-27J Spartan, KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, E-7A Wedgetail, P-8 Poseidon and 100SQN Heritage aircraft, take command of the skies above the former‘ Ham Common’.
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, said this airshow builds on the strong connection the Base already has with the Hawkesbury community and follows the success of last year’ s open day.
“[ RAAF Richmond ] isn’ t just about flying the planes, maintaining the planes. It’ s a whole lot of different roles that Defence offers for people of all ages and all inclinations. You don’ t just have to rock to be a pilot to play a key part in the Defence Force,” Ms Templeman said.
“ I look forward to sharing with local residents, and many local and interstate visitors, the 100-year base celebrations at the Airshow.”
A dedicated pedestrian entry into the show will be created near the Visitors Centre at Hawkesbury Valley Way. Parking will be in Hawkesbury Showgrounds, however it is pre-paid parking( until sold out).
For information on road closures and traffic, refer to the links at RAAF Richmond Airshow 2025 | transportnsw. info and livetraffic. com
8 ISSUE 54 // SEPTEMBER 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT