(Maitland City Council)
Newy 87.8 FM – Royal Australian Air Force No. 2 Squadron will exercise its Freedom of Entry to the City of Maitland on Saturday 12 September 2026, with around 65 personnel from RAAF Base Williamtown taking part.
The ceremony will commence at 10am at The Levee Shared Zone, before the Squadron proceeds along High Street towards Maitland Town Hall. The traditional challenge will take place outside the former Maitland Mercury Building at the Hunter Street corner, where Superintendent Wayne Humphrey will formally acknowledge the Squadron's right and privilege to enter the city.
A RAAF PC–21 from No. 4 Squadron will perform two ceremonial flyovers, the first travelling north to south along High Street before the challenge, and a second passing over the Council Chambers from east to west during the inspection.
No. 2 Squadron was granted Freedom of Entry by Maitland City Council in 2016 in recognition of its history of service and connection to the Hunter region.
Mayor Philip Penfold said the ceremony was 'more than a ceremonial tradition; it is a symbol of the respect and connection between our community and those who served our country'.
Commanding Officer Wing Commander Glen Chettle said it was 'a privilege for our aviators to march through the city'.
Road closures will be in place in Central Maitland from 5am at The Levee Shared Zone and from 8am from the Ken Tubman roundabout to the Maitland Administration Centre on High Street, with rolling closures reopening after the parade.
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