Maitland will take a step back to medieval times for an official ceremony this Saturday morning.
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About 30 officers and sailors from HMAS Maitland will be in the Levee to exercise their right to Freedom of Entry to the City.
The concept goes back to the middle ages when there were disputes between land owning nobles, and armed bodies were rarely admitted into cities.
However, in special cases, they were given freedom of entry and it signified true friendship and often the expectation that the armed body would assist in the defence of the city.
The granting of Freedom of Entry is the highest accolade a town or city can bestow upon a group or individual.
The last Freedom of Entry ceremony in Maitland was for the RAAF No.2 Squadron last year.
HMAS Maitland first gained the Freedom of Entry to Maitland in 2006.
HMAS Maitland, her 12 sister Armidale Class Patrol Boats and two Cape Class Patrol Boats are the Navy's principal contribution to the nation's fisheries protection, immigration, customs and drug law enforcement operations.
HMAS Maitland Commanding Officer Lieutenant Johnathon Little said the HMAS Maitland crew were proud of their connection to Maitland.
“Due to the vast distances and our area of operations, predominately in northern Australian waters, it is a rare occasion but indeed a real honour to visit the city this weekend and exercise our Freedom of Entry,” he said.
Maitland mayor Loretta Baker said allowing an armed service or individual unit to exercise their right to Freedom of Entry was a huge honour.
“It’s one way we can show how grateful we are to HMAS Maitland for its service to our country,” she said.
As part of the event, members from HMAS Maitland will form up in The Levee Shared Zone at around 10am and will be challenged by The Local Commanding Officer of Police on the corner of Bourke Street and High Street.
A street march, under police escort, will then take place along High Street, Maitland from The Levee near Bulwer Street to the Maitland Town Hall.
A Civic Reception at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery will follow for invitees.
Road closures will be in place at The Levee, between Bourke Street and Elgin Street, Preschool Lane and Drill Hall Lane between the hours of 8am and 11am.
There will be rolling road closures in place from Ken Tubman Drive through to Devonshire Street inclusive of side streets between the hours of 9.30am and 11am.