The streets of Toowoomba were lined with locals on September 20, to show their appreciation for Cabarlah-based 7th Signal Regiment during the unit’s freedom-of-entry march.

About 150 officers and soldiers took part in the march through the centre of Queensland’s largest inland city, which was held before the parade for the historic Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

The Toowoomba Regional Council granted freedom of entry in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals.

Regimental Sergeant Major 7th Signal Regiment, Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Craig Patch, said it was an incredible honour to take part in a tradition that dates back thousands of years.

“The history of freedom of entry goes back to ancient Rome when they had walled cities and the armies would have to form up and march from location to location,” WO1 Patch said.

“It was a show of trust and honour by the walled city to present the armies with freedom of entry, and allow them to walk through with their weapons rather than just send a delegate or small party.

“This freedom of entry shows the close ties 7th Signal Regiment has with the people of Toowoomba, the city itself and the regional council.”

It marked 50 years since 7th Signal Regiment was first granted freedom of entry to Toowoomba in 1975.

Standing in front of the marching unit with his hand signalling ‘halt’, Queensland Police Service Darling Downs District Officer, Superintendent Doug McDonald, challenged the incoming military force, before letting the unit continue to march through the city.

'This freedom of entry shows the close ties 7th Signal Regiment has with the people of Toowoomba, the city itself and the regional council.'

Before inspecting the regiment, Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council Geoff McDonald and Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart received a general salute as the official guests.

Mayor McDonald presented the host officer, Royal Australian Corps of Signals Head of Corps Brigadier Deane Limmer, with a framed scroll for the freedom of entry.

Mayor McDonald said the connection between the community and the unit was as strong as ever, and he looked forward to it continuing.

“Toowoomba is a region of rich traditions and we are proud of the strong links with our Defence family, including 7th Signal Regiment,” he said.

“The march highlights the deep links Toowoomba region has enjoyed with 7th Signal Regiment, and reinforces the affection and esteem in which we hold current and past personnel.

“Both 7th Signal Regiment and the Australian Army Aviation Training Centre at Oakey remain vital parts of our regional economy and our social make-up.

“We look forward to maintaining these mutually beneficial bonds long into the future.”

Mayor McDonald said the march coincided with the Grand Central Floral Parade, which started, in part, to revitalise the city after World War 2 as a way of highlighting the talents and uplifting the spirits of the region’s residents and businesses.

The march was marked with a flyover by an Army ARH Tiger and a UH-60M Black Hawk from the Army Aviation Training Centre based at Oakey.