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.

The honour of Freedom of Entry to Singleton has been bestowed on:

• 9 September 2016
• 27 August 2011
• 29 July 2006
• 20 October 2001
• 10 September 1988
• 10 September 1966

 

Freedom of Entry 2023 |  Friday 17 March 2023

Be a part of history in 2023 when hundreds of uniformed soldiers from the Lone Pine Barracks School of Infantry will march through Singleton Town Centre.

This year’s Freedom of Entry in Singleton is an extra special celebration of the 55th anniversary since the first granting of Freedom of Entry to the Singleton Military Area in 1966 (postponed from 2021 due to COVID-19) and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the School of Infantry in Singleton in 2023.

The parade will march through the streets of Singleton, forming on Hunter Street before marching along John Street, briefly halting for a special challenge to their right of entry. The procession will then continue along Queen Street and conclude at Civic Park. 

Up to 300 uniformed personnel will be involved in the parade, led by Senior Australian Defence Force Officer Singleton Military Area and Parade Commander LCol Richard Thapthimthong CSC, stepping off from Hunter Street at 11am and continuing on John Street. The parade will be halted by a senior police officer under the New England Highway flyover, who will formally grant permission to enter before the procession continues onto Queen Street to Civic Green 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. 

Road Closures

To enable the parade to take place the following sections of roads will be temporarily closed:

• Hunter Street between John Street and Bourke Street
• John Street between Hunter Street and Queen Street
• Queen Street between John Street and Civic Avenue
• Campbell Street between John Street and Bourke Street
• Dunolly Road between John Street and Newton Street
• New England Highway off ramp onto Queen Street
• Dr Maffey Drive

Hunter Street, between John Street and Bourke Street, will be closed on Friday 17 March 2023 from 10am until approximately 11am. All the other roads listed above will be closed from 10.50am until approximately 11.30am, except for Queen Street, between the new England Highway off-ramp and Civic Avenue, which will remain closed until approximately 12pm (noon).

Parking

To allow for the parade to proceed unobstructed, parking will be temporarily prohibited along the entire parade route from 9.30am on Friday 17 March 2023 until after the parade has cleared and the roads are reopened to traffic. The roads where parking will be prohibited are:

• Hunter Street between John Street and Bourke Street
• John Street between Hunter Street and Dr Maffey Drive
• Queen Street between Dr Maffey Drive and Combo Lane
• Bourke Street between William Street and Elizabeth Street (west side of road only)

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