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Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026

Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band.

By news@gippsland - 31st July 2026 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting the community to attend a special Freedom of Entry Parade in Cowes on Friday, 7 August 2026 as the Ship's Company of HMAS Cape Woolamai marches through Cowes commemorating 125 years since the establishment of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces, the forerunner to today's Royal Australian Navy.

The HMAS Cape Woolamai Freedom of Entry Parade begins at 11am on Friday, August 7, from Cowes Jetty to Berninneit. Arrive early; Thompson Avenue closes 10.45–11.15am

Naval tradition honoured

The year 2026 marks 125 years since the formation of the Commonwealth Naval Forces on 1 March 1901, following the Federation. The Commonwealth Naval Forces would later evolve into the Royal Australian Navy, which continues to serve Australia today.

The parade will commence at 11:00am at Cowes Jetty, proceeding past the Cowes Cenotaph before travelling along Thompson Avenue to Berninneit, where the formal Freedom of Entry challenge ceremony will take place.

The Freedom of Entry is one of the oldest customs in military history, symbolising the trust and respect shared between a military unit and the community it serves. During the ceremony, Navy personnel from HMAS Cape Woolamai will march in full ceremonial dress with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying, accompanied by music from the Royal Australian Navy Band.

Community honours navy

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari will participate in the formal challenge alongside representatives from Victoria Police as part of the proceedings. HMAS Cape Woolamai is an Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat that contributes to fisheries protection, border security, customs and drug law enforcement operations, working alongside government agencies including the Australian Border Force. The vessel’s homeport is HMAS Coonawarra in the Northern Territory and will not be present as part of the parade.

Members of the public are warmly invited to attend and enjoy this unique community event celebrating the Royal Australian Navy’s service and tradition. Council extends its thanks to the Phillip Island RSL for its outstanding support in helping bring the event to Cowes.

HMAS Cape Woolamai Freedom of Entry Parade

• Friday, 7 August 2026
• 11.00am
• Cowes Jetty to Berninneit, Cowes

Communities are encouraged to arrive early and find a place along the parade route to enjoy the ceremony. Thompson Avenue will be clear between 10.45am and 11.15am to allow the march to pass through. More information about the event can be found at Royal Australian Navy website.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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