Freedom of Entry 2024

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Published
24th April 2024

What is the Freedom of Entry?

In accordance with military law and tradition, cities can grant the right to Freedom of Entry to military units, authorising them to freely march through the streets to mark ceremonial occasions with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and ensign flying. The honour of the Freedom of Entry became popular during the nineteenth century and draws inspiration from medieval history. A Freedom of Entry is the highest honour a city may bestow on the Australian Defence Force and is celebrated with a ceremonial parade through the city streets.

 

Freedom of Entry 2024 | Saturday 11 May 2024

Be a part of history in 2024 when hundreds of uniformed soldiers from the 3CER Townsville will march through Airlie Beach Main Street.

Building on the Freedom to the City bestowed upon the 3CER on 10 November 2017, in heartfelt recognition of their invaluable assistance following Tropical Cyclone Debbie, this event incorporates the exercise of the Freedom of Entry as its second component.  This year’s Freedom of Entry in Airlie Beach is an extra special celebration as it will be the first granting of Freedom of Entry to the Whitsunday Region.

The parade will march through the streets of Airlie Beach, forming on Broadwater Avenue before marching along Main Street, briefly halting for a special challenge to their right of entry. The procession will then continue along Main Street and conclude at the Airlie Beach Foreshore (Coconut Grove). 

Up to 150 uniformed personnel will be involved in the parade, led by Senior Australian Defence Force Officer, stepping off from Broadwater Avenue at 9.30am and continuing Main Street. 

The parade will be halted by a senior police officer, who will formally grant permission to enter before the procession continues on Main Street to the Airlie Beach Main Street where the mayor will inspect the troops.

In what promises to be a truly impressive sight, the Freedom of Entry parade is not to be missed and members of the public are encouraged to line the streets. 

A community gathering will be held after the Freedom of Entry at the Airlie Beach Foreshore, including Lions Airlie Beach Markets and an Australian Defence Force display.

 

Road Closures

To enable the parade to take place the following sections of roads will be temporarily closed from 6.00am until approximately 10.30am:

  • Broadwater Avenue (Cnr Mazlin Street to cnr Main Street), Airlie Beach Main Street and the Broadwater Avenue Carpark.
  • Main Street and Airlie Esplanade.  Coconut Grove (roundabout and road) will remain open, however, it is recommended for vehicles to avoid this area from 9:40am to 10:00am as the parade moves through.
  • Ocean Road, including access to Sailing Club carparks is closed – The Beacons roundabout will remain open; however it is recommended for vehicles to avoid this area from 9:40am to 10:00am as the parade moves through.

Roads will open progressively as the parade proceeds. 

 

Program and Schedule of Proceedings

Click here to view the official event poster, map showing the parade route and road closures and the schedule of proceedings.

 

Parking

To allow for the parade to proceed unobstructed, parking will be temporarily prohibited along the parade route from 6.00am on Saturday 11 May 2024 until after the parade has cleared and the roads are reopened to traffic.

Any vehicles that are parked on these roads during the time specified above may be towed.

Please note that free carparking is located in Council's overflow carpark on Waterson Way.