We’re in for a rare treat when the RAAF’s elite flying squad, the Roulettes, perform at the 2016 Festival of Sails on Australia Day.
During their breathtaking aerial display on January 26 at 1:00pm, special commentary will be provided from Steampacket Stage by Geelong local and Roulette team member Flight Lieutenant Thomas Sawade.
Flight Lieutenant Sawade, 27, grew up in Australia and the United States, before moving to Geelong and completing his schooling at The Geelong College.
He joined the RAAF in 2007 and was posted to Central Flying School (CFS) as Roulette 7 in 2014.
An avid Cats fan, Flight Lieutenant Sawade loves to get back to Geelong as often as he can to watch his team play but says returning to Geelong to provide the commentary for the Roulettes is a special thrill.
“It’s a real treat to talk about my work in the town I grew up in,” says Flight Lieutenant Sawade.
“I was here on Australia Day last year and really enjoyed it. My main role is to help the audience follow what the pilots are doing by using language that everyone can understand. It is lots of fun and a huge privilege.”