Lismore is set to host a Freedom of Entry Parade by the 41st Battalion, a time-honoured tradition dating back to medieval times, before taking part in the iconic Lismore Lantern Parade later in the evening of 22 June 2024.
The ceremonial parade will see up to 200 soldiers from the Northern Rivers, supported by a military marching band, enter the heart of Lismore in full regalia, where they will be halted and formally challenged by Richmond Police District Commander Superintendent Scott Tanner and Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg.
Mayor Steve Krieg said: ‘The Freedom of Entry march is a cherished tradition and highlights the strong bond between Lismore and the 41st Battalion, which most recently came to the community’s aid during the February 2022 natural disaster and 2019 bushfires.’
‘It is an honour to host this ceremony and present the Commanding Officer of the 41st Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Danial Healy, with a scroll authorising the granting of Freedom of Entry.
‘This is the highest honour a city can bestow on the Australian Defence Force and I encourage everyone to come along and watch the parade and support our 41st, before staying on for the wonderful Lantern Parade.’
The parade will start on Magellan Street before marching to the cenotaph in front of the Lismore Memorial Baths on Molesworth Street. Along the route, the soldiers will be halted as the Local Police Commander and Mayor formally challenge their right of entry into the city, before continuing along the route to the Baths.
The parade will begin 1pm and conclude around 2pm. Later in the evening, members of the Battalion will join the Lismore Lantern Parade, which is celebrating its 30th year of bringing light to the heart of our community.
Lieutenant Colonel Healy said exercising the battalion’s Freedom of the Entry was an important symbol of the close links between the soldiers and the local community.
‘Soldiers from the 41st Battalion were heavily involved in the first response to the 2022 floods, with many of our members living and working in the local community,’ he said.
‘This parade is an opportunity for Army to deepen our close ties with the City of Lismore and our soldiers are really looking forward to showcasing our Unit, as a prelude to the Lantern Parade.’
Creative Director of the Lismore Lantern Parade Jyllie Jackson said the 41st Battalion had a long history in Lismore and it was appropriate that they are given Freedom of Entry to Lismore as the Lantern Parade celebrates its 30th year of lighting up the CBD.
‘It’s wonderful that the 41st will have its Freedom of Entry Parade as part of the Lantern Parade’s day of activities, including markets and kids activities,’ she said.
‘The ADF band will also be marching with the Lantern Parade in the evening.’
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