Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) granted freedom of entry to Ingham, Hinchinbrook

A Townsville-based Army battalion has been granted freedom of entry to Ingham during a spectacular march through the town. See the photos.

Mayor Ramon Jayo shakes hands with members of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment during the Freedom of Entry Parade on 22 October 2022, Ingham, Queensland. Picture: BDR Guy Sadler

The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) were granted freedom of entry to Hinchinbrook Shire during a march through Ingham on Saturday.

Australian Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment march through the town during the Freedom of Entry Parade, 22 October 2022, Ingham, Queensland. Picture: BDR Guy Sadler

“It is with great pleasure that we have the opportunity to cement our longstanding friendship with 3RAR by granting them the freedom to our town,” Hinchinbrook Mayor Jayo said on Tuesday.

“We have enjoyed a great relationship through the regular training and Army exercises conducted in our district by the 3rd Battalion over the past 15 years or so, and the trust and alliance that we enjoy is reflected in the granting of our rights to them.”

Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo and Major General Shane Caughey, AM, CSC, (Retd) watch as Australian Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment march through Ingham, during the Freedom of Entry Parade on Saturday. Picture: BDR Guy Sadler

The event was scheduled to coincide with the Battalion’s 77th birthday and Ingham’s annual Maraka Festival, with hundreds of spectators lining Herbert Street.

Queensland Police Service Acting Inspector Graeme Paterson salutes as Australian Army soldiers from 3RAR march along Herbert Street. Picture: BDR Guy Sadler

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Chris Johnson said it was a privilege to be warmly welcomed by the community during the Freedom of Entry parade.

Commanding Officer 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Johnson calls drill commands out to his Battalion behind him. Picture: BDR Guy Sadler

“To see the Battalion immersed within the local community here has been fantastic and engagement activities like this are a chance for us to say thanks to those who support us,” he said.

“It’s been a rewarding year for the Battalion and we’re grateful to work so closely with our regional communities.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our relationship with the people of North Queensland.”

Australian Army 3RAR soldiers march along Herbert Street in Ingham. Picture: BDR Guy Sadler

Lt. Col. Johnson said 3RAR were already looking forward to its next visit.

“We honour the past as we prepare for the future,” he said.

“Our battalion history and the history of the Hinchinbrook Shire are now intertwined, so we’re looking forward to coming back again in the future.”

Originally published as Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) granted freedom of entry to Ingham, Hinchinbrook