RAAF Base Wagga personnel will exercise their Freedom of Entry to the City of Wagga Wagga this Saturday, 18 October, to mark 85 years since the establishment of the base.
RAAF Station Forest Hill, now RAAF Base Wagga, ‘Yalbiligi Ngurang’, was established on 1 July 1940 and received its original Freedom of Entry to the City proclamation in 1961.
The community is invited to join in the 85th anniversary celebrations by cheering on the Freedom of Entry to the City ceremonial parade, featuring 500 personnel marching with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, band playing and colours flying.
Stepping off at 10.55am at the Baylis Street / Morgan Street intersection, the parade will march north to the intersection of Morrow Street and Baylis Street.
Among the highlights for spectators will be a ceremonial ‘challenge’ issued by Riverina Police, a review of the parade by the Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Council, Dallas Tout, and a synchronised military flypast.
The Council is providing financial and in-kind support to the event, in the form of Traffic Management assistance and a Mayoral Reception.
Mayor Tout is encouraging residents of Wagga Wagga and surrounds to head down to the CBD for the special event.
“The Freedom of Entry to the City ceremony symbolises the links that have been forged between our city and RAAF Base Wagga over the past 85 years,” he said.
“Come along on Saturday morning and show your appreciation for the contribution, outstanding service, and commitment of the Air Force to Wagga Wagga while enjoying all the excitement and historical pageantry of this military spectacle.”
A Mayoral Reception for invited guests and dignitaries will be held at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery on Morrow Street, following the parade dismissal.
All parade and flying activities are conducted within strict safety and operational guidelines. The public is asked not to operate drones over the city centre while the parade is taking place.
