Freedom of Entry to the City

MEDIA RELEASE 18 October 2018

The 1/19 Battalion of the Royal NSW Regiment (The Bushman’s Rifle) will exercise the Battalion’s right of Freedom of Entry into Bathurst on 10 November, as part of the Centenary of Anzac commemorations.

The Freedom of Entry march will involve up to 200 members of the 1/19 Battalion and the march will start in Keppel Street before making its way along William Street.

The official challenge for Freedom of Entry will take place on the corner of Russell and William Streets at midday before the official ceremony at the Carillon.

Bathurst RSL sub branch and Bathurst Regional Council are currently finalising plans for the Freedom of Entry to the city.

Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said members of the community are encouraged to gather in Kings Parade for the ceremony.

“Freedom of Entry is an honour awarded by the city and it is a colourful spectacle and a tradition that dates back centuries.”

Freedom of the City is an ancient honour that can be granted to military organisations, allowing them the privilege to march into the city "with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed".

This honour dates back to ancient Rome, today, martial freedom of the city is an entirely ceremonial honour, usually bestowed upon a unit with historic ties to the area, as a token of appreciation for their long and dedicated service.

Bathurst RSL sub-branch President David Mills said the 1/19Bn has served our community with distinction and encourages the community to honour their service and sacrifice by attending the parade.

Bathurst’s Remembrance Day services will commence at 10.15 am on Sunday 11 November.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer