WINDSOR is ready for beating drums, flying colours, trumpets and thousands of spectators this morning, October 23, as part of the RAAF’s ‘Freedom of entry to the City of Hawkesbury’ parade.
More than 350 Richmond RAAF Base personnel will march through the centre of Windsor from 10.30am to 11.45am with the band to celebrate their commitment to the Hawkesbury and the nation.
The Hercules will overfly Tebbutt Street from northwest to southeast at an altitude of 75 metres at 11:00am. The parade will take place from 10:30am until 11:45am.
Air Commodore Warren McDonald said the Hawkesbury community was invited to come along, support the parade and meet the military who dedicate their time to protecting the Australian people.
‘‘It’s a great way to bring the community together and recognise Hawkesbury’s strong links with defence,’’ Air Commodore McDonald said.
‘‘People are more than welcome to meet the RAAF Base personnel and take photos once the parade is over which will be a nice opportunity to understand the strong history that the Hawkesbury holds.’’
Having been in the Hawkesbury for 10 months, Air Commodore McDonald said he was certain the community would be there to support the parade.
‘‘In my whole 35 years of working in the industry, the Hawkesbury so far has the best community feel I have ever experienced,’’ he said.
‘‘I have travelled to many different places and worked in bases around the country but never have I felt so at home as here.’’
Established in July 1925, the base has always been a proud part of the Hawkesbury community and has become an integral part of defence operations at home and abroad.
The Freedom of Entry was first granted to the Richmond RAAF in September 1989 and is a tradition which extends back to when ancient Roman armies weren’t allowed to enter the walls of a city as a formed body.
Mayor Kim Ford said he was ‘‘excited and honoured’’ to be part of the event which dates back so far.
‘‘The right of entry to outside soldiers was rarely given by the authorities but today, the ceremony is representative of the esteem in which Council holds the RAAF Base and provides recognition of the facility’s contribution to our community,” Mayor Ford said.
The parade can be seen from various vantage points. Check hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au for further details.
There will be temporary road closures and special event clearways in place from 10.15am-11.45am on the day.
Bus stops on George Street near McQuade Park will also be affected during this time.
■ Details: 45604444.
When and where you can see the parade
● 10.30am: The parade will assemble on Don’t Worry Oval, McQuade Park, Windsor and RAAF personnel will start the ‘‘Marching on of the Colours Ceremony’’. They will exit into Moses Street, continue onto Tebbutt Street and turn right onto George Street.
● 11am: The parade will be at the front of St Matthew’s Catholic Church on Tebbutt Street and be ‘‘challenged’’ by NSW Police.
● 11.15am: The parade will step off and proceed past the War Memorial on the corner of Tebbutt Street and George Street, will continue down George Street and through McQuade Park.
● 11.30am: Finish in McQuade Oval for a formal parade review by the mayor.
