Parramatta marches on

24 November 2010

Commander Heath Robertson RAN, Commanding Officer HMAS PARRAMATTA, leads the ships company past the Tudor Gates as the ships crew exercises their right of Freedom of Entry through the streets to the City of Parramatta.

Local Parramatta residents were treated to a fantastic display of military tradition on Saturday morning. As residents ate breakfast at the various cafes along Church Street the Ship’s company of HMAS Parramatta marched proudly down the city streets exercising their right to enter the city with ‘swords drawn, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying’.

Parramatta City issued the Freedom of the City to HMAS Parramatta IV on 28 July 2003. It was last exercised by the Ship in 2006 and for the men and women of HMAS Parramatta, the Freedom of Entry march is drawn from a medieval tradition. The tradition was a first for Seaman Boatswain’s Mate Riley Powell.

“I thought the march went well. It was my first ever Freedom of Entry march. The atmosphere was great and the townspeople came out and cheered us on. To be able to mingle with the people and the crew afterwards was really thrilling. Overall it was a great experience,” he said.

The Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid enjoyed the day.

“This was a special day for a great city and a great ship. Today we honoured the long and special relationship and it was an honour for me personally to add my name to the list of Lord Mayor’s who have had the privilege of welcoming the Ship’s company in the city,” he said.