Louise Markus (Macquarie, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to share with the House a fantastic event within the electorate of Macquarie which occurred last week. I was most privileged and delighted to attend the Richmond RAAF base's Freedom of Entry to the City Parade last Thursday, 23 October, in Windsor, New South Wales. The event derives from an ancient tradition of Imperial Rome whereby victorious generals and their legions were granted special permission to enter the city to celebrate their triumphs in battle and to accord honour to their commander.

The RAAF base in Richmond has come to constitute an integral part of the Hawkesbury community. Our nation maintains some of the finest defence forces in the world and we are proud that the Hawkesbury hosts an essential defence force base in the centre of our community.

It was a privilege and a delight to be a part of the RAAF march through Windsor and to acknowledge once again the essential work our service men and women undertake and to celebrate as a community the fine tradition of defence force excellence that the Hawkesbury can be proud of.

With the increased importance of national security in the current international climate, it is important to recognise the extraordinary contribution our defence forces make to the lifestyle we enjoy in Australia. RAAF Base Richmond continues to make us proud, having delivered much-needed aid to refugees in the Middle East during the recent conflicts. I was privileged and most thankful for the opportunity to attend the march and be part of acknowledging and celebrating the valuable community contribution and Australian spirit of our defence forces. I also commend to the House the service men and women of the Richmond RAAF base and honour them for their tireless work and commitment. Thank you for a terrific event.