On the 10th August 1935 Cadets and Officers of the Australian Air League attending the opening of Manly Company Hall at Hinkler Park, Manly. 80 years later – the Australian Air League again gathered once more to help Manly Squadron celebrate its anniversary.

Despite the threat of rain all week, the clouds cleared for the weekend and Squadrons from as far away as Mudgee NSW travelled to Manly to take part in the parade. The day began with band competition with participants from Toukley, Moorebank and City of Blacktown Squadron. Following a break for lunch, the Squadrons formed up awaiting the arrival of the Reviewing Office, the Hon. Tony Abbott MP, Member for Warringah and Prime Minster of Australia. 

Mr Abbott has been Member of Warringah since 1994 and has attended several parades in the past however this was the first as Prime Minister of Australia. Joined by his wife Margaret and the Hon. Bronwyn Bishop MP, Mr Abbott inspected the parade, speaking to cadets and spoke of the history of the Manly Squadron before awarding trophies to the winners of the parade competitions.

More photos from the parade can be found here.