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Geoff Rossetti’s legacy continues as son leads Freedom of Entry March honouring Sale defence community

Geoff Rossetti’s son will lead Sale’s Freedom of Entry march, honouring family legacy and the city’s longstanding Defence connection, with community celebrations continuing at Brennan Park on 19 October.

By news@gippsland - 10th October 2025 - Back to News

When Wellington Shire Council Mayor Scott Rossetti takes part in the Freedom of Entry march (on Saturday 18 October), he will be doing more than representing the community. He’ll also be retracing the steps of his father, Geoff Rossetti, a former Sale City Council Mayor who participated in the same ceremonial parade decades ago.

Former Mayor Geoff Rossetti in mayoral chains

Rossetti family honour

Serving on the Sale City Council for 18 years, including three terms as Mayor, Geoff Rossetti took part in the Freedom of Entry parade twice during his tenure, and now his son will welcome the Australian Defence Force to Sale in his honour. "He’d be pleased as punch," Councillor Scott Rossetti said.

The Freedom of Entry march, which will make its way down Raymond St from 8am, is a time-honoured tradition that symbolises trust, respect and the deep connection between a city and its military units. Sale first granted this honour to RAAF Base East Sale in 1959, with the most recent parade held in 2016. Next week, the 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment will carry forward Gippsland’s proud military heritage.

Family tradition continues

For Cr Rossetti, the march is both civic and personal. As he steps onto Raymond St, he won’t just be honouring Sale’s Defence connection, he’ll be honouring a family tradition of service and leadership. Growing up in a household steeped in civic duty, Cr Rossetti learned the value of community service early.

"It’s not just that you want to contribute to the community, you gain so much more too. There’s a hell of a lot of satisfaction in being able to do something for those around you," he said. He sees the Freedom of Entry march as a meaningful way for the community to show its appreciation to Defence.

"Sale is an interesting town because Defence is a mainstay in our community. It’s been a great contributor, and our community also hosts Defence well. Sale’s relationship with Defence dates to 1885. Even today, Defence personnel remain integral to the fabric of Sale’s community, contributing to schools, sporting clubs and businesses," he said.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Scott Rossetti in the City of Sale mayoral chains on modern day Raymond St, where the Freedom of Entry march will take place on Saturday 18 October

Honouring service sacrifice

Cr Rossetti said, "It’s important to demonstrate the community’s appreciation of what Defence does, not just as civic partners, but for putting their lives on the line to keep us safe. We don’t get that opportunity very often. That’s why people turn out to Anzac Day marches, not just to remember family members and others, but to show appreciation for the freedoms we have. Many take them for granted, but previous generations knew those freedoms were never guaranteed."

Raymond St will be closed from 6am to 10am to accommodate the procession. The celebrations will continue on Sunday 19 October with a community day at Brennan Park from 9am to 11am, featuring living history displays, interactive activities, and a sausage sizzle hosted by the Sale Lions Club.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination.
• Be enchanted by magical vistas overlooking a winding river and forested gorge in stunning Tyers Park
  Discover Peterson's Lookout in Tyers Park, a short walk leading to breathtaking gorge and river views. Enjoy golden-hour scenery, nearby trails, wineries, eateries, and cultural attractions for a perfect Gippsland getaway.
• Independent Safety Assessment Contract awarded for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, ensuring community safety, and facility compliance
  East Gippsland Council has awarded a contract for an independent Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool safety assessment, reviewing facility condition, risks, compliance, and required upgrades while the pool remains closed.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Lifeline Workshop in Warragul Library: Understanding and Preventing Family Violence for community awareness and safety
  Free two‑hour session at Lifeline, held at MYLI Warragul on 25 Nov 2025 from 1‑3 pm, aims to build awareness, understanding and practical strategies to prevent family violence.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• Darren Chester presented to Five CHC Helicopter crew awarded National Emergency Medals for heroic Black Summer bushfire service
  Five CHC Helicopter personnel based at East Sale RAAF Base received National Emergency Medals for courageous, lifesaving service during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires across Gippsland communities.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, advocacy, investment, and community-focused service delivery
  East Gippsland Shire Council has adopted its 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements in service delivery, infrastructure, advocacy, bushfire recovery, and community resilience while addressing cost-of-living and housing challenges.
• Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, delivering world-class trails, boosting tourism, community, and local economy
  Omeo’s 114-kilometre, $10 million mountain bike park has officially opened, offering world-class trails, boosting tourism, energising local businesses, and celebrating years of community vision, planning, and collaboration.
• West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
  West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.
• Darren Chester welcomes Aqua Energy redevelopment completion with modern aquatic, fitness, community facilities
  Darren Chester welcomed the upcoming completion of Aqua Energy's multi-million-dollar redevelopment in Sale, delivering modern pools and accessible facilities, boosting community health, sport, tourism, jobs, and long-term regional wellbeing.