All eyes were on the main arena at the 2025 Perth Royal Show when the Australian Defence Force took centre stage to mark the show's annual Defence and Veterans' Day.
Soldiers from the Army's 13th Brigade wowed crowds with a section attack capability demonstration launched in spectacular fashion with a Hawk-127 flypast from the Royal Australian Air Force's 79 Squadron.
Thousands of spectators watched as the demonstration played out on the big screens around the arena, and members of the crowd quickly flooded into the Defence Hub to speak with personnel after the display.
Eagerly chatting with the community at the Defence Hub, Private Bryce Eliot described the day as a valuable opportunity to connect.
"It's always a great experience to come down and interact with the community, especially on Veterans' Day," Private Eliot said.
"The community in WA doesn't often get opportunities to see the ADF so it's great to be able to show them what we can do."
In addition to the capability demonstration, the Royal Australian Navy sailed into the spotlight with a rigid-hulled inflatable boat from HMAS Stirling that quickly became a favourite among young showgoers.
'To come back for my fourth day in uniform, speaking to the community and showing them that other side of me has been fantastic.'
Assisting with the display this year was Able Seaman Sophie Newlyn, who was able to bring a unique perspective to the event.
"I've got an agricultural background and have actually been at the show for three days having my alpacas judged," Able Seaman Newlyn said.
"So to come back for my fourth day in uniform, speaking to the community and showing them that other side of me has been fantastic."
This year marked the official launch of the Defence Hub at the show - a one-stop-shop for the community to interact with Defence members and to better support public understanding of ADF roles and capability.
In addition to the ADF displays, the Defence Hub also featured important support networks for ADF members and veterans alike, including RSL WA, Legacy, Defence Community Dogs, as well as Disaster Relief Australia and the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia.
The Perth Royal Show is Western Australia's largest community event that celebrates the state's agricultural roots, heritage, innovation and community spirit.
The ADF's involvement in the Perth Royal Show is part of its longstanding tradition of supporting major public events.
