Longtime Princess Royal Fortress volunteer Trish Forsyth became the first woman to undertake an official gun salute at Albany Heritage Park on Tuesday, taking her place in local history.

Ms Forsyth has been a volunteer at the Fortress since 2017, sharing her knowledge and passion for Albany’s military history with thousands of visitors.

She is particularly passionate about Albany’s connection to World War I, and the stories of the thousands of soldiers who left our shores in 1914 to fight overseas.

Over her nine years as a volunteer, she has watched hundreds of gun salutes take place on the lawn outside the National Anzac Centre, and on Tuesday had her first opportunity to be the one who brought the historic artillery to life.

Ms Forsyth said being invited to undertake the firing as the first female gunner was a humbling moment.

“Witnessing a live gun salute is something that stays with people because it is such a powerful moment,” she said.

“We must not forget those people who gave up their todays for our tomorrows.”

The City of Albany said Ms Forsyth’s history-making moment formed part of the Albany Heritage Park’s living heritage program, an Albany 2026 initiative honouring Albany’s deep connection to the Anzac story and the role of the Princess Royal Fortress in Australia’s wider military history.

Ms Forsyth led the gun firing at Tuesday’s 1.30pm gun salute, with a large group of family and friends coming up to Mt Adelaide to support her including many from the retirement village she lives in.

Princess Royal Fortress curator David Theodore said Ms Forsyth’s participation shone a light on the vital role women have always played in times of war, and continue to play in remembering our military history.

“Women contributed enormously to Australia’s military history,” he said.

“Not only by serving, but by sending their sons, fathers, partners and husbands off to war, often not knowing if they would return, while continuing to keep families and communities strong.

“It was an honour to watch Trish become Albany Heritage Park’s first female gunner and here’s hoping she will not be the last.”