Final entry for HMAS Ararat

Ararat will host an historical Departing Freedom of Entry parade through its shopping heart for HMAS Ararat II crew on Saturday.

The event will be the final time the ship will exercise its Freedom of Entry to Ararat before its decommissioning in July.

Based in Darwin, HMAS Ararat II has been involved in border-protection duties along Australia’s northern coastline since its commissioning on November 10, 2006.

Ararat mayor Jo Armstrong said granting Freedom of Entry to the Royal Australian Navy was a ceremonial honour and the highest accolade local government could provide.

“Freedom of Entry is more than a march through Ararat – it is a long-held tradition that symbolises our region’s strong relationship with the battalion,” she said.

“I will grant the ship’s commanding officer David Martinussen with a ceremonial scroll and inspect the ship’s company ahead of the Freedom of Entry march through Barkly Street on Saturday.

“The parade is a wonderful way for the people of greater Ararat to gather and thank our servicemen and women for their commitment and service to Australia.

“Ararat Rural City Council encourages all residents to come along to watch the parade, and I look forward to welcoming the HMAS to Ararat.”

Freedom of Entry dates to medieval times when military forces were granted entry into a city with swords drawn, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying, as a sign of peaceful intent.

The Royal Australian Navy continues the tradition today while visiting the towns and cities of which its ships and boats carry their names.

Ararat RSL president Frank Neulist said the Freedom of Entry parade would be a ‘truly impressive’ spectacle.

“It’s a chance for the Ararat community to show its appreciation by attending the service of these young men and women to not only Australia but to carry the name of the city of Ararat,” he said.

“On Saturday the crew will march from the Catholic church on Barkly Street down to the roundabout and stop to request Freedom of Entry to the city from the mayor. A senior police officer will ‘challenge’ the parade before proceeding to Vincent Street and going back down Barkly Street.

“Between Vincent Street, Queen Street and Barkly Street is where all the action will happen – we would like for people to come down and show their appreciation and have a chat to the crew.”

The Freedom of Entry parade will start at 10am from the vicinity of the Catholic church in Barkly Street, where Cr Armstrong will review and address the parade, then proceed throughout streets of Ararat between Vincent and Queen streets.