Wagga Wagga City Council will provide financial and in-kind support for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Wagga's Freedom of Entry to the City parade, scheduled for Saturday 18 October 2025.
The event marks both the 85th anniversary of the establishment of RAAF Base Wagga, and 64 years since it was originally granted Freedom of Entry to the City.
Council endorsed providing the support at its Ordinary Meeting on Monday 21 July, which will include providing Traffic Management and a Mayoral Reception.
Earlier this year, RAAF Base Wagga formally requested approval to exercise the Base's Freedom of the City of Wagga Wagga in October.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said Council welcomed the opportunity to support the request for the ceremonial privilege.
"It reinforces the longstanding relationship between Council and the Australian Defence Force," Cr Tout said. "The RAAF Base at Forest Hill has been an integral part of our community since its establishment here in 1940.
"The Freedom of Entry to the City ceremony acknowledges the contribution, outstanding service, and commitment of the Air Force to our city over the past 85 years.
"We understand a large number of current serving RAAF personnel, including trainees and training staff from the base, will be taking part in the procession, while former Wagga RAAF Base personnel are also expected to be here for the 85th anniversary celebrations.
"The ceremony will be a chance for the Wagga Wagga community to say 'thank you', while enjoying a wonderful military spectacle."
RAAF Base Wagga received its original Freedom of Entry to the City proclamation in 1961.
Freedom of Entry to the City a symbolic presentation which represents the highest honour a city can confer on an individual or a Military Unit.
RAAF Base Wagga last exercised its Freedom of Entry on 1 August 2015 during its 75th anniversary celebrations, which included a march down Baylis Street and flypast by a RAAF C-17A Globemaster III, Australia's largest military plane.
More than 350 Australian Defence Personnel from the Air Force, Navy and Army stationed at RAAF Base Wagga took part in the parade.
"This year's parade will be held on the morning of 18 October, and will coincide with Council's FUSION BOTANICAL multicultural festival, scheduled for the afternoon and evening at our Botanic Gardens," Cr Tout said.
"It presents a unique opportunity to showcase Wagga Wagga as a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming community."
In recognition of international defence partnerships and civic ties, the Mayor has extended an invitation for a delegation from our Sister City, the City of Leavenworth, to attend the Freedom of Entry event and Mayoral Reception, as well as the FUSION BOTANICAL festival.
