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The City of Mackay granted Freedom of Entry to No.105 Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets, in a ceremonial parade marking the unit’s 75th anniversary. Photo supplied
A milestone in the history of No.105 (City of Mackay) Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets, was marked on Saturday 20th June with the granting of Freedom of Entry to the City of Mackay.
The occasion also launched a program of events recognising the Squadron’s 75th anniversary. Originally formed as No.5 Flight North Queensland Squadron, Air Training Corps, the unit was officially stood up on 1st August 1951.
The ceremony commenced at 9.00am with a wreath laid at the Cenotaph in Jubilee Park in memory of deceased staff and cadets.
The unit then marched north along Wellington Street, where it was halted by an officer of the Queensland Police Service. A formal challenge was issued, asking by whose authority the cadets were marching through the city. A document from Mackay Regional Council was presented, granting permission for the unit to march on ceremonial occasions in full panoply, with “swords drawn, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying”.
The Freedom of Entry proclamation was accepted, and the column proceeded to the lawn area in front of the Council Administration Building, where the Squadron formed up in parade order for inspection.
Host Officer Wing Commander (AAFC) Ken Whelan, Officer Commanding No.1 (City of Townsville) Wing, Australian Air Force Cadets, arrived by WWII Jeep and met the Reviewing Officer, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, who also arrived by Jeep. The Host Officer then escorted the Mayor to the dais.
The parade was inspected by the Mayor, followed by formal addresses. The Squadron then advanced in review order, before completing a march past and marching off to conclude proceedings.
Music for the parade was provided by members of the Mackay and District Pipe Band.
The Freedom of Entry was originally granted on 11th August 2001, coinciding with the Squadron’s 50th anniversary, by then Mackay City Council Mayor Julie Boyd, who was also an official guest at Saturday’s ceremony.
Contributed by Geoff Strange
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