One of Goulburn's longest-running youth organisations will have its Freedom of the City reaffirmed.
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The 325 (City of Goulburn) Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets is seeking to add 'City of Goulburn' to its revamped unit banner (paraded on official occasions such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day) and its squadron patch (worn by cadets on their uniforms).
"This reflects the Freedom of Entry that we've always assumed has continued on from whenever it was initially granted," admin officer Lt Brad Lochrin said.
The Freedom of Entry is the highest mark of trust and confidence a city can give. The squadron, formed in the 1940s, apparently received the honour decades ago, but the paper trail had been lost after various moves and name changes in the last 80 years, Lt Lochrin explained.
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While submitting their approval to the chief of Air Force to redesign their banner and patch, Lt Lochrin said the squadron were unable to find written records of the honour, or anyone with living memory of when the Freedom was granted.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council unanimously approved their request at the ordinary council meeting on Tuesday night. An official welcome and civic reception will be arranged.
Mayor Bob Kirk said: "I am looking forward to setting an occasion in place to reinstitute this honour."
This will be the first time Mr Kirk has bestowed the honour.
"This little tradition would have been lost had this squadron leader not taken it upon himself to write and seek permission to use the title in the name," the Mayor said.
The Squadron seeks to instill discipline, leadership, and a desire towards the aerospace industry in young people. It was formed in 1942, as 46 Squadron, Air Training Corp (Royal Australian Air Force), and rebranded as 25 (City of Goulburn) Flight, Air Training Corp (AIRTC) in 1954.
Since mediaeval times, Lt Lochrin explained, military units have carried banners as an identification symbol. The Goulburn squadron's design depicts the War Memorial; a rose for the city of roses; a band representing its association with and support from the Police Academy; and the Southern Cross.
"It is a traditional recognition of our unit, and a source of pride," Lt Lochrin said. "This is who we are; this is our identity; this is what we stand for."
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