Ship’s company marches through Cowes in historic Freedom of Entry parade

THE STREETS of Cowes resounded with military ritual and pageantry as the ship’s company of HMAS Cape Woolamai marched down Thompson Avenue to exercise their right to the Freedom of Entry to Phillip Island.

Marking the first such parade since the vessel was commissioned two years ago, the event coincided with a key milestone for the Royal Australian Navy, commemorating 125 years since the establishment of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces.

Crowds of local citizens and school children lined the streets to witness the historic display of civic pride and naval tradition. Originating in medieval times when fortress walls protected cities, granting entry to an armed force was a sign of immense trust.

Today the tradition continues as the highest accolade a municipality can bestow upon a military unit, symbolising mutual respect and a shared history between the local township and serving personnel.

Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, the acclaimed Royal Australian Navy Band accompanied the parade, providing a stirring live soundtrack to the march.

Starting at the Cowes waterfront the ship’s company marched solemnly past the town Cenotaph paying their respects to the region’s fallen service members. The parade then proceeded along Thompson Avenue where the ship’s company of HMAS Cape Woolamai faced a dramatic, traditional challenge outside Berninneit.

In keeping with centuries-old protocol, the parade was halted by San Remo Police Officer Sgt Lee Neubauer acting as the Marshal with Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Tessari also participating in the formal challenge.

“Halt, who goes there?” was the initial demand. With the parade temporarily halted, the ship’s company was then asked to identify themselves and state by what right they had to enter and use the municipality of the Bass Coast.

After stating their right to entry, Commanding Officers LCDR Danielle Couch and LCDR Luke Pracy were asked to prove this right and privilege. In a moment of high drama, the Marshal demanded to know the reasons for the armed force's entry into Cowes.

A ship’s officer then stepped forward with an official framed document proving the ship's company had earned the right to move freely through the Island. Satisfied with the proof offered, the Marshal granted passage allowing the parade to conclude its historic march amid enthusiastic applause from the local community.

The historic ceremony was supported by the Phillip Island RSL and marked a deep, lasting connection between the Royal Australian Navy and the Bass Coast community.

Each Cape Class patrol boat is named after a prominent Australian headland such as Cape Woolamai. Commanding Officer LCDR Danielle Couch was familiar with Phillip Island after holidaying in Cowes with her husband who is also a Commanding Officer.

Based in Darwin HMAS Cape Woolamai is one of 10 Cape-Class patrol boats, with eight operated by the Royal Australian Navy and two contracted for Defence Force training.

Cape-Class patrol boats are principally involved in Australian border protection to safeguard Australia’s sovereign borders and fisheries.