It was a very cold and wet day but volunteers from Warringah/Pittwater SES Unit were in their element undertaking some community engagement at the 2012 Avalon Military Tattoo. It was a very long day which began when the Huey Helicopter UH-1H arrived to kick off the official proceedings for the day.

The SES had a display set up in the morning encouraging members of the public to be StormSafe. Over 300 SES balloons were given out which created a very “orange” presence around the park. This event also provided us an opportunity to distribute the NRMA “StormSafe Gloves” - given to adults with encouragement to clean out their gutters.

In the afternoon SES Deputy Commissioner Steven Pearce joined the volunteers for the Freedom of Entry ceremony alongside the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO. Other VIPs attending included Major General Paul Brereton, AM, RFD, The Hon. Bronwyn Bishop, MP and the Mayor of Pittwater, Cr Harvey Rose.

The day concluded with the traditional French Commemoration, Massed Pipes and Drums Finale and the Lone Piper of the Sunset Ceremony. It continued to rain as the sun set and the mist rolled in - very fitting as would likely have been the weather in Edinburgh Scotland!

Over 1500 members of the public attended the event a big drop from last year’s 5000. Unfortunately the weather played a big role in the turn out.

We look forward to getting involved in this spectacular event again next year!