Mosman Festival Unites Community

neighbourhoodmedia
Oct 13
2 min read

Celebrate Mosman’s spirit with the HMAS Penguin Freedom of Entry parade and Whale Song at Headland Park, part of the Festival of Mosman.

Hundreds of schoolchildren are expected to join other Mosman residents lining the streets for this year's Festival of Mosman highlight event, the HMAS Penguin Freedom of Entry parade on Friday 24 October.

Since the earliest European settlement, Middle Head, Georges Heights and Chowder Bay have hosted military forces. Formally commissioned in 1942, HMAS Penguin is the last remaining Royal Australian Navy base in Mosman.

“We at HMAS Penguin are grateful for the kindness and consideration afforded to us daily by the Mosman community, and thank them for allowing us to exercise this ancient custom,” says HMAS Penguin’s Commanding Officer, Commander Kent Browning, HADC, RAN. “As per our motto, Penguin is ‘proud to serve’ Australia, and the Mosman community in particular. We are honoured to formally march through Mosman in recognition of our close ties. As the Navy’s second largest training establishment, HMAS Penguin remains because of the beautiful environment that is Middle Harbour, which is invaluable for the safe training of Australian Defence Force divers and other underwater specialists.”

History of HMAS Penguin’s Freedom of Entry parade

The Freedom of Entry tradition began in medieval Europe when trusted military units were officially welcomed to walled towns, enabling them ‘freedom of entry’ to replenish food and arms. Commander Kent Browning said “We are honoured to formally recognise and renew the traditional close links between Defence and the local Mosman community.”

Accompanied by the Royal Australian Navy Band, HMAS Penguin officers and sailors will start the parade at 11.30am from Prince Albert Street, continue along Military Road to Gouldsbury Street, and then proceed along The Crescent, arriving at the Mosman War Memorial at approximately 11.50am. Residents are encouraged to line the streets early to secure a great viewing spot.

Whale Song at Headland Park

On Saturday 1 November, as the sun sets over Headland Park, a magical transformation will occur; stories will come alive through art, music and culture that honour the majestic humpback whale migration and aim to foster our connection to Country.

At the heart of the event is Whale Song, a large-scale interactive theatre procession by Curious Legends. Celebrating thousands of humpback whales that pass by our shores each year on their migration journey, this multimedia spectacle features giant illuminated puppets, video projections, and a moving soundscape embedded within the puppets themselves. Community members are invited to participate in the performance, joining the parade of whales and turtles as they journey through the park.

The event also features a live sand painting by First Nations artist Walangari Karntawarra, whose work reflects deep connections to land, sea and story and a Bush to Bowl tasting experience, showcasing native ingredients and traditional foodways. There will be an opportunity to learn Wiradjuri weaving techniques and create your own bracelet, a beautiful way to connect with Indigenous culture through craft.