Military parade helps city celebrate anniversary

The 10th Force Support Battalion (10FSB) conducted a freedom of entry through the town centre of Charters Towers on October 21 as part of the city’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

CAPTION: Soldiers from 10th Force Support Battalion march through the streets of Charters Towers during the Freedom of Entry Parade. Story by Captain Annie Richardson. Photo by Private Alexander Rowe.

Commanding Officer of 10FSB, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Hawley, said the battalion had a long history with the city.

“10FSB has had a long-established relationship with Charters Towers, and it was an immense honour to march our unit through the town,” Lieutenant Colonel Hawley said.

“Our unit predecessor, the 2nd Field Supply Battalion, was first granted freedom of entry in 1983, and 10FSB was granted freedom of entry in 1998.

“10FSB has exercised this right on two previous occasions; in September 1999 and again in February 2006, strengthening the bond between us and the citizens of Charters Towers.”

The parade culminated in a ceremony at the city hall to honour the citizens of Charters Towers.

The crowd enjoyed the spectacle and the static display of 10FSB’s capabilities.

CAPTION: Soldiers from 10FSB march through the streets of Charters Towers during the parade. Photo by Private Alexander Rowe.

Mayor of Charters Towers, Councillor Frank Beveridge, said the city had a long and proud military history dating back to the Boer War.

“We have an excellent working relationship with the ADF, both from our historical connection and our proximity to Townsville,” Mayor Beveridge said.

“Like the 10th Force Support Battalion, we are proud of our history and our connection to the land and what it provides.

“To have the battalion march through today made me immensely proud of our community’s ongoing bond with the ADF.”

Lt-Col Hawley said the event was a testament to that bond.

“It’s a measure of the success of our relationship, and determination to make our hosts proud, which had us presenting so well,” he said.

“We stepped off with every intention of making this march memorable, which I am thrilled we have achieved.”

CAPTION: Soldiers from 10FSB stand on parade on the streets of Charters Towers. Photo by Private Alexander Rowe.

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