A SPECIAL relationship between the Redlands and No. 95 Wing, Royal Australian Air Force was forged in Cleveland on Saturday when the Wing exercised its Freedom of Entry to the City of Redland.
150 RAAF personnel, representing the nine squadrons of the Wing, formed up in ceremonial style outside Redlands Performing Arts Centre in Middle Street at around 10am.
Following a welcome by Squadron Leader Paul Lineham, the parade was formally inspected by Redland Mayor Karen Williams and Air Commodore Tim Innes, after which Quandamooka Elder Aunty Joan Hendriks gave the Welcome to Country.
Cr Williams then presented parade leader Group Captain Peter Davis with the official scroll proclaiming Freedom of Entry to Redland City.
As people lined the streets between RPAC and Library Square, the parade, which was supported by local air force cadets and a band, marched into the city in full panoply, with swords drawn, bayonets fixed and Colours and Standards flying.
Officer in charge of Cleveland Police Station Senior Sergeant Janelle Harm challenged the parade near Redland Art Gallery and inspected the scroll before acknowledging the Wing’s “right and privilege” to enter the city.
The parade saluted Air Commodore Innes, Cr Williams, and other dignitaries and guests at Library Square, including the premier’s wife, Lisa Newman, then continued along Middle and Channel streets to Redlands RSL for a formal reception in the Gallipoli Room.
Group Captain Davis said it was a “great honour and privilege” to lead the Wing in the parade.
“Freedom of Entry is a great way to acknowledge our Wing and also mutually acknowledge the City of Redland,” he said.
“On Anzac Day in a couple of week’s time, you’ll see quite a few air force personnel from 95 Wing here and I’ll be the guest speaker at the main ceremony on that day.
“It’s a great privilege bestowed upon the Wing.”
The granting of the Freedom of Entry to a city is a long-standing military tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages and reflects the ritual that would take place before armed troops were permitted to billet overnight in a town.
The ceremonial honour became popular in Australia during the 19th century and is today the most honourable distinction a city can bestow on a contingent of the Australian Defence Force.
