The Royal Australian Air Force launched its foundational ‘first strike’ event, an overnight Friendship Run supporting the Bravery Trust, during Exercise Pitch Black 24 in Darwin.
This innovative event combined military resilience with community engagement and aimed to raise awareness and funds for veterans while promoting mental health support.
The Friendship Run, which featured a dusk-to-dawn relay, brought together Defence personnel, local community members and politicians.
Squadron Leader Adon Lumley, RAAF ambassador for Bravery Trust and the mastermind behind the event, emphasised the night’s significance.
“We wanted to link Exercise Pitch Black 24 with the local community, meaningfully,” he said.
