Council to grant Freedom of Entry to Royal Australian Engineers

29 October 2018

This Sunday 4 November 2018, Liverpool City Council will honour the long relationship between the Corps of Royal Australian Engineers and Liverpool.

The event will commence with a Military Parade in Bigge Park at 9.30am, followed by a march down Elizabeth Drive, George Street and Moore Street, followed by a commemoration ceremony and community event, including a free BBQ, in Bigge Park.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said it was a great privilege to be presenting a new Freedom of Entry scroll to the Royal Australian Engineers, the second time the Corps has received this honour.

“Freedom of Entry is an honour bestowed by the community upon a military unit which has earned the people’s trust and respect,” she said.

“The Royal Australian Engineers have been based in Liverpool and Holsworthy since 1939 and have a connection to Liverpool that dates back to before 1901.”

The Royal Australian Engineers will be represented by the Holsworthy-based School of Military Engineering and supported by the Australian Army Band from Victoria Barracks, Sydney. Commander of the School of Military Engineering, Lieutenant Colonel Dave Evans, said it was a very proud moment for the engineers.

“Liverpool City Council originally granted Freedom of Entry to us in 1959, and the Centenary of Armistice provides an opportunity for us to re-affirm this connection,” he said.

“It’s a great honour for the engineers to be part of the community we serve and protect.”

Mayor Waller said: “In a city whose people come from all corners of the globe, Liverpool is at the intersection of many histories.

“Many of our residents come from countries still scarred by conflict, or are descendants of past generations who have been touched by war. This is why freedom, peace and harmony are especially cherished by the people of Liverpool.

“I encourage residents to come out and show their support for our soldiers as the Corps of the Royal Australian Engineers marches through the Liverpool CBD on Sunday morning 4 November.”

Key points:

Freedom of Entry Parade and community event

Sunday 4 November 2018, 9.30am-2pm

March through Liverpool CBD followed by community event at Bigge Park.

For details on this and other commemorative Council events visit www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/community/liverpool-remembers

Please note: to make way for the Freedom of Entry Parade, there will be some temporary road closures and bus diversions in the Liverpool CBD, from 9am to 12 noon on Sunday 4 November.