Norforce Squadron celebrates 40 years of service to Alice Springs in Freedom of Entry ceremony

Norforce soldiers have celebrated 40 years of service in Alice Springs in a march dating back to the medieval ages. See all the photos.

Alice Springs has welcomed Norforce soldiers and visiting Canadian patrol groups to the town in a Freedom of Entry ceremony for the first time in four decades.

In a tradition dating back to medieval times, Norforce was first granted Freedom of Entry to the town 40 years ago and has not taken part in the parade since.

As part of the ceremony, NT Police Assistant Commissioner Martin Dole granted Norforce Commander Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Medlin entry to the town on behalf of mayor Matt Paterson and the town council.

Mr Paterson welcomed the Norforce soldiers, alongside visitors from the Canadian Ranger Patrol group, saying it was a “great weekend to visit” Alice Springs.

Alice Springs mayor Matt Paterson addresses the Norforce squadron as they march through town in their first Freedom of Entry parade since 1983. Picture: Laura Hooper.

“It was fantastic to see you marching alongside our soldiers,” he said.

“You’ve picked a great weekend to visit, as you’ll be able to participate in the Henley on Todd Regatta, the most fun you can have in a boat without water.”

While thanking soldiers for their 40 years of service to the town, Mr Paterson slipped in a reference to the Matildas, following Wednesday’s game that gripped the nation.

“I hope that the level of pride you feel today is at least in line with the national sense of pride we are feeling for our national women’s soccer team,” he said.

He commended the parade for coinciding with Vietnam Veterans Day on the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the war.

“By wearing the uniform of Australia you are following in the footsteps of many heroes, including the thousands that fought for Australia in Vietnam,” he said.

“You are the modern day Anzacs and can be very proud of your continued service to our nation.”

Norforce squadron begins their Freedom of Entry march through Alice Springs. Picture: Laura Hooper.

Onlookers view the parade through the Todd Mall. Picture: Laura Hooper.

The band plays as the squadron make their way along the Todd Mall in Alice Springs. Picture: Laura Hooper.

Guests from the Canadian Patrol group took part in the festivities. Picture: Laura Hooper.

Soldiers and police salute the parade as it makes its way through the township. Picture: Laura Hooper.

Norforce squadron marches through Alice Springs in their first Freedom of Entry parade since 1983. Picture: Laura Hooper.

Host officer Regional Force Surveillance Group Commander Brett Thomas farewells troops at the conclusion of the parade. Picture: Laura Hooper.

Why the military is marching into Alice Springs

Soldiers will descend on Alice Springs’ township on Friday in a medieval ceremony celebrating 40 years of service to the region.

Norforce Officer Commanding Centre Squadron Major Jamie Smith said soldiers would march from Anzac Oval and through Todd St on Friday as part of a freedom of entry ceremony.

“It’s based on an old tradition of old walled cities, and they (townsfolk) would see a military formation coming towards them and they wouldn’t know if they were friend or foe,” he said.

“To recognise the friendly groups coming round, the cities would bestow a title called the freedom of entry to each city, and that states you’re welcome to walk through our city with your weapon and with your flags with bands playing in a military procession.”

Officer Commanding Centre Squadron Major Jamie Smith said the ceremony marked 40 years since Alice Springs’ first and only freedom of entry parade. Picture: Laura Hooper.

He said Friday’s parade marked 40 years since Norforce was first granted entry to Alice Springs in 1983.

“This marks 40 years since we were first given entry and we haven’t done one since, so this marked a good opportunity to do something positive in Alice Springs and do a parade,” he said.

He estimated between 40 and 50 soldiers would be taking part in the parade.

Norforce was established in 1981 to provide surveillance to the North of Australia throughout the Territory and the Kimberley in Western Australia.

Covering more than 1.8 million square kilometres, the squadron provides situational awareness and understanding on prescribed threats to Australia’s national interest.

Norforce prepares for its freedom of entry parade in Alice Springs on Friday. Picture: Laura Hooper.

“Being regionally based we reflect the community, so compared to other units around the army Norforce has a much higher percentage of Indigenous soldiers, and we’re very proud of that fact,” Major Smith said.

“So at the parade on Friday you’re going to see soldiers from as far south as Amata in the APY Lands and some down from Borroloola and Robinson River, so all over the area.

“It will be a brilliant opportunity, a lot of people have been in the army for a very long time, we’ve got a soldier that’s been with us for 42 years and this will be her first freedom of entry parade.

“So a very special opportunity, and great to give these guys recognition in their town in front of their families.”

The freedom of entry parade will begin at 9am opposite Anzac Oval outside the Todd Tavern in Alice Springs’.