Wagga Wagga City Council, Media Release, 22 September 2023

Residents of Wagga Wagga and surrounds are urged to save the date and head down to the city centre for the Australian Army Band Kapooka’s Freedom of Entry to the City Parade on Sunday 15 October 2023.

There will be plenty of excitement and pageantry at this event as the Australian Army Band Kapooka marches along Baylis Street, including in a ceremonial ‘granting’ of the Freedom of Entry to the City to the Australian Army Band outside the Civic Centre, at the corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets.

Following the march, the community are invited to a free community concert showcasing the Rock Band of the Australian Army Band Kapooka who will perform a high energy ‘Hour of Power’ concert in the Victory Memorial Gardens.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said it would be a significant event for the Australian Army Band Kapooka and the community.

“The Freedom of Entry to the City is a symbolic presentation which represents the highest honour a city can confer on an individual or a Military Unit,” Cr Tout said.

“The last time the band was granted Freedom of the City was in 2009.

“The event in October reflects the strong relationship between Wagga Wagga and the Australian Army Band Kapooka, as well as the broader Defence community.

“It will be a chance for everyone to show their support and say ‘thank you’ to the band and its musicians, past and present, for their outstanding service to the nation, while enjoying a wonderful military spectacle.”

Officer Commanding and Music Director, Australian Army Band Kapooka Major Greg Peterson said the band was “deeply honoured” to be granted the Freedom of Entry to the City of Wagga Wagga.

“The Australian Army Band Kapooka performs up to 300 official engagements for both military and community audiences every year,” Major Peterson said.

“Partnering with local charities is just one example of the impact of our community engagement.

“On average, the band raises around $10,000 per year, with funds going directly to a wide range of local and regional charities.”

The event also coincides with a reunion of ex-serving soldier musicians from the Australian Army Band Corps Association.

“Their dedicated service to Army and the community of Wagga Wagga over the last 70 years is the reason why the Australian Army Band Kapooka enjoys its outstanding reputation within the Riverina today,” Major Peterson said.

“As such, the granting of Freedom of Entry to the City also serves as recognition for the service and sacrifice of Army’s ex-serving soldier musicians, many of whom have served their Country with distinction on various operational deployments over the years.”

The spectacular street march along Baylis Street starts at 10.30am on Sunday 15 October 2023, with the free ‘Hour of Power’ concert at the Victory Memorial Gardens commencing at 12.30pm.