IT’S A time honoured tradition that may leave some people puzzled. Why is there a HMAS Ballarat and why would the Royal Australian Navy march through a very in-land based regional city?
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On Sunday officers and sailors from HMAS Ballarat marched along Sturt Street after exercising their right to enter the streets. It is a tradition that harks back to medieval times.
Following her commissioning on 26 June 2004, Ballarat received the keys to the City of Ballarat in her first Freedom of Entry march on 2 December 2004.
HMAS Ballarat is the second Royal Australian Navy ship to bear the city’s name and is the eighth Anzac Class Frigate to be built by Tenix Defence Systems in Williamstown, Victoria.
HMAS Ballarat is a long-range frigate capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction.
The tradition of Freedom of Entry originated in medieval times, when a city would show its trust in a group of men-at-arms by allowing them to enter their walls without being disarmed.
Now, the right of Freedom of Entry is a symbolic mark of honour and support from a city to a military unit.
The parade marched on Sturt Street, towards the Ballarat Town Hall where a challenge was made by Superintendent Andrew Allen.
HMAS Ballarat Commander David Landon, CSM, said in medieval times the military vowed to provide protection to the city if it allowed it to enter.
“Ballarat is an inland city, but like other inland city’s there is a ship named after it so that tradition was extended to Ballarat,” Commander Landon said.
This is first time the right has been exerciser since HMAS Ballarat was handed the keys to city the in 2004.
“This strengthens the bond between us and the city,” Captain Landon said.
“We also have a few sailors from Ballarat.”
Ballarat Mayor Des Hudson was one of the councillors who visited HMAS Ballarat on Friday night.
“The march now is one symbolic in nature,” Cr Hudson said.
“It’s good to have the pomp and ceremony in Ballarat and to show the community HMAS Ballarat.”
“It is also part of our opportunity to inform the community of Ballarat’s links (to the Navy) and show that we have that close connection.”
Cr Hudson said he spent Friday night touring the ship and meeting military personnel.