Hundreds of onlookers lined Katherine Terrace as RAAF Wing Commander Andrew Tattnell lead the parade accompanied by a 31 piece military band. 

The parade was challenged by Northern Territory Police Commander Matthew Hollamby at the Town Square. 

“Exercising the Freedom of Entry to the City provides the opportunity to recognise the long standing relationship and support from past and present members of RAAF Base Tindal and the Katherine community,” Corporal Joshua McCallum said during the opening speech. 

“The challenge consists of the senior police officer asking ‘who comes here?’ The parade commander will provide a response and as a result of the response the parade will be granted permission to pass,” he said. 

Before the parade began its march the colour was uncased. 

“The colour being paraded today is the 75 Squadron, Squadron Standard. The colour is the highest honour which is bestowed upon a unit Sqaudron for outstanding service and is only paraded on formal occasions,” Corporal Joshua McCallum said. 

The parade also consisted of members of the 17 Squadron, the 75 Squadron, Tindal Health Centre, 452 Sqaudron, the control and reporting unit, Number Two Security Forces Squadron and Two Squadron. 

Residents were encouraged to follow the parade to the Katherine Town Council Civic Centre in recognition of Katherine’s strong links with Defence.

Katherine Mayor Fay Miller acknowledged traditional owners and commended RAAF Base Tindal on 30 years of operation. 

RAAF Group Captain Sandy Turner said, “this simple act of generosity shows the tight bond between the community and the people who live and work at RAAF Base Tindal.”

It will be 30 years on October 1 since the Tindal RAAF Base went fully operational.

More reading: Tindal to celebrate its 30th birthday