In, 2000, three significant events were celebrated:

“200 Years since part time soldiering commenced in Australia”
“100 Years since part time members of Naval Brigades left for the Boxer Rebellion”
“75 Years since the Citizen Air Force was raised with No 1 & 3 SQNS on 1 Jul 1925”

In 1800 Governor Hunter appointed Officers and formed the Loyal Sydney and Parramatta Associations each with 50 rank and file. In September 1900 part time members of the Naval Brigades left for the Boxer Rebellion. On 1 July 1925 the first CAF Squadrons were raised, Number 1 and 3 Squadrons at Point Cook with Number 3 Squadron moving to Richmond in 1928.

These events, were significant in Australia’s history and were celebrated throughout Australia with the national celebration taking place in Sydney on Sunday the 2nd of July to allow the Opera House Forecourt to be used as part of the parade. Past and present members formed up in Hyde Park and marched down historic Macquarie Street to the Opera House, where appropriate speeches were given to mark the day in history. A 19 gun salute was fired from the Man of War steps. No 3 Squadron RAAF, now a permanent forces unit, flew two spectacular flypasts with four F18 Hornets.

A Territorial Army contingent of ten from The Black Watch, with historic links to Macquarie’s Regiment the 73rd Regiment of Foot, which served here in the early 1800s, came from Perth in Scotland. Macquarie Bank very generously sponsored their travel. The New Zealand Territorials were represented as well as past Territorials from the now disbanded Royal Hong Kong Regiment. The overseas visitors during their visit to Canberra to take part in their Reserve Forces Day were given a special welcome at the National HQs of the RSL and later an official welcome by 10 Federal Ministers and members at Parliament House.

In preparing for the NSW parade we had wonderful support from sponsors including financial support from the State Government. Their support has also included free rail and bus transport from as far away as Newcastle for the past and present Reservists plus special paid leave for any State Government personnel to take part in the parades.