Heritage honoured in Freedom of Entry march

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.

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 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 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,” he said.

“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.

“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.

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