General News
2 May, 2022
Last Freedom of Entry for HMAS Ararat
WITH the imminent decommissioning of navy ship HMAS Ararat II, Ararat Rural City will host a historic Departing Freedom of Entry parade through Ararat CBD for the HMAS crew on Saturday, 7 May 2022.
WITH the imminent decommissioning of navy ship HMAS Ararat II, Ararat Rural City will host a historic Departing Freedom of Entry parade through Ararat CBD for the HMAS crew on Saturday, 7 May 2022.
Based in Darwin, HMAS Ararat II was commissioned on 10 November 2006 and has been involved in border protection duties along Australia’s northern coastline.
There are no plans at this stage for a future ship to carry the Ararat name.
The ship has a crew of 22 who will all be in Ararat for the occasion.
This will be the final time the ship will exercise their Freedom of Entry to Ararat before the ship will be decommissioned in early July 2022.
Ararat RSL President Frank Neulist said the Freedom of Entry parade would be a truly impressive spectacle not to be missed.
“It’s a chance for the Ararat Community to show their 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,” Mr Neulist said.
“On Saturday 7 May, the crew will march from the Catholic Church on Barkly Street down to the roundabout, 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,” Mr Neulist said.
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Jo Armstrong said granting Freedom of Entry to the Australian Navy is a ceremonial honour and the highest accolade bestowed by local government.
“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,” Cr Armstrong 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,” she said.
“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.”
Freedom of Entry dates to the medieval times when military forces were permitted to enter a city with their swords drawn, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying, as a sign of peaceful intent.
The Australian Navy continues this tradition today while visiting the towns and cities their ships and boats are named after.
The Freedom of Entry parade will commence at 10am on Saturday, 7 May from the vicinity of the Catholic Church in Barkly Street, where the Mayor will review and address the parade, then proceeding around the streets of Ararat CBD between Vincent and Queen Streets.
A number of streets will be closed to traffic during the ceremony.
Crew members will address students at Marian College and Ararat College during their visit as well as attend a civic reception.