HMAS Canberra last exercised its Freedom of Entry privileges in 2019. Image: Screenshot.
The crews of two Royal Australian Navy ships will conduct a Freedom of Entry parade in Canberra city this Saturday 30 November.
More than 250 personnel from the Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) HMAS Canberra III, as well as members of Australia’s Federation Guard, the Royal Australian Navy Band and cadets from Training Ship Canberra will make the ceremonial march through Civic.
The third Royal Australian Navy vessel to carry the city’s name, the current HMAS Canberra was launched in 2012 and commissioned in 2013. The first HMAS Canberra was sunk during the Battle of Savo Island in the Pacific in 1942, the second was an Adelaide/Perry-class frigate commissioned in 1981 and retired in 2005.
The Navy says the Freedom of Entry parade is a tradition that goes back to medieval times.
“The citizens of walled cities refused to allow entry to armed groups, unless they were sure the troops would not attack,” the Navy says, adding denial of entry could cause hardship to troops ‘on the march’.
“Troops soon saw the benefits of establishing good relations. Freedom of Entry was a privilege not easily won but highly prized.”
Freedom of the City was usually granted to naval units in recognition of the defence of seaport cities and towns. In modern times, the tradition has continued as Australian naval vessels often carry the names of landlocked centres. It also forges links between the ships and those cities.
The parade will start at Veterans Park bounded by Northbourne Avenue, Bunda Street and Mort Street at 11 am.
Marchers will proceed down Northbourne Avenue, turn left onto London Circuit, and be ‘challenged’ at Civic Square where commanding officer of HMAS Canberra Captain Brendan O’Hara will present the ship’s Freedom of Entry credentials.
The current HMAS Canberra, flagship of the RAN, is the third RAN vessel to carry the city’s name. Photo: ADF.
“At a specified position, the parade halts and a senior member of the local police force issues a challenge,” the Navy says.
“The unit’s commanding officer responds and presents the scroll granting Freedom of Entry. After inspecting the scroll, the challenging officer acknowledges the unit’s privilege and allows entry.”
A Navy Sikorsky MH-60R Romeo Seahawk helicopter will conduct a flyover as part of the parade.
The parade will end at Glebe Park where marchers will disperse.
The city’s last Freedom of Entry parade was that of the US Navy’s USS Canberra named in honour of the first HMAS Canberra, whose crew visited the city in July 2023. The crew of HMAS Canberra III last exercised its Freedom of Entry privileges in November 2019.
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