newy.com.au – Central Maitland will host about 65 Royal Australian Air Force personnel and two ceremonial flyovers when No. 2 Squadron exercises its Freedom of Entry to the city on Saturday, September 12.
The ceremony will begin at 10am in The Levee Shared Zone before personnel from the RAAF Base Williamtown squadron parade along High Street towards Maitland Town Hall.
Road closures will begin at 5am in The Levee Shared Zone, followed by closures from 8am between the Ken Tubman roundabout and Maitland Administration Centre. Roads will progressively reopen after the parade passes.
The squadron will face a traditional challenge outside the former Maitland Mercury building at the corner of High and Hunter streets. Superintendent Wayne Humphrey will formally acknowledge its right to enter the city before the parade continues to the town hall.
A PC-21 aircraft from No. 4 Squadron is scheduled to make two flyovers during the event. The first is planned to travel north to south above High Street before the challenge, while the second will pass east to west over the council chambers during an inspection.
Freedom of Entry is a military tradition dating from a time when armed forces required permission to enter a city. It is now a civic honour symbolising trust and the relationship between a military unit and its host community.
Maitland City Council granted the honour to No. 2 Squadron in 2016, recognising its service history and connection to the Hunter.
Mayor Philip Penfold said the ceremony would give residents a rare opportunity to see the tradition.
“Maitland is proud to welcome No. 2 Squadron back to exercise this honour and I encourage residents to experience this unique occasion and witness a tradition rarely seen in our city,” Cr Penfold said.
No. 2 Squadron commanding officer Wing Commander Glen Chettle said exercising the honour was significant for serving members and reflected the squadron’s relationship with Maitland and the wider Hunter.
The free event can be viewed from along High Street, with the formal welcome and challenge ceremony taking place near Maitland Town Hall. Spectators have been asked to follow directions from police and event staff.
