Melbourne OP SLIPPER Parade

The end of 2014 has marked the conclusion of Operation SLIPPER, Australia’s military contribution to the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, and the International Coalition against Terrorism mission across Afghanistan and the Middle East, which commenced in October 2001. To mark the end of Operation SLIPPER a parade will be held on Saturday, 21 March 2015 in Melbourne, followed by a commemoration service at the Shine of Remembrance.
Participation in the commemoration activities is limited to Defence and former Defence personnel who deployed on Operation SLIPPER, Operation PATATE II and Operation HERRICK, and Other Government Agency personnel who deployed in support of the Whole of Government commitment to combat terrorism in the Middle East. Allied nations’ veterans and locally engaged employees who served as part of this operation are welcome to participate.

Date: Saturday, 21 March 2015

Time: 10:00 am (marching personnel are to form up at 08:45 am in the vicinity of Linlithgow Avenue and St Kilda Road).

March route: St Kilda Road South Bound service lane.

Order of events: This event will be in two parts, first a parade along St Kilda Road heading south towards the Shrine of Remembrance with a colour party, guard and band. And second, a ceremony in the Shrine of Remembrance forecourt including a catafalque party, band, an official welcome, Prayer for the fallen, scripture reading, laying of wreathes, address by keynote speaker, recitation of the Ode followed by the ‘Last Post’, one minutes silence and the ‘Rouse’, benediction and RAAF flypast.

Dress:

• Current serving Australian Defence Force members are asked to wear
  • Navy ‚Äì S2,
  • Army ‚Äì 2A and
  • RAAF – 4B.
• AFP
  • Uniform members – Ceremonial uniform with tunic and medals
  • Plain clothes members – Business suit or equivalent with medals

Weather: Guests are reminded to prepare themselves appropriately for Melbourne weather noting that the parade will be conducted outside.

Media: Participants and guests should expect a media presence. Media will be asked to pre-register their details closer to the event.

Aircraft and vehicles: Local residents, guests and participants should expect the presence of military aircraft and non-armoured vehicles in the lead up to and at the event. There will be unavoidable exposure to aircraft noise, which may inconvenience some residents.

Road closures: There will be some road disruptions and/or closures:

• St Kilda Road South Bound Service Lane ‚Äì Closed between Princess Bridge and Linlithgow Ave from 06:00 am,
• St Kilda Road South Bound Service Lane ‚Äì Closed between Linlithgow Avenue and Government House Drive from 06:00 am,
• Linlithgow Avenue East and St Kilda Road Intersection Service Lane from 06:00 am,
• TMP BM983

For Non Australian Defence Force participants including members of Other Government Agencies:
Individuals who are Operation SLIPPER veterans and are no longer serving with the ADF, as well as members of Other Government Agencies, are strongly encouraged to participate in the parade. Register your interest by completing the ‘Request to Participate’ form and sending it to the Parade Commander at OPSLIPPER.Commemoration-MEL@defence.gov.au.

Individuals are to be dressed in smart civilian attire with medals (if applicable).

Family Activities: Following the service all marching participants and their families are invited to attend an informal gathering on the lawns near the Shrine of Remembrance. Participation in this event is restricted to marching participants and their families.

Contact: For further information, or to register your participation in the march, please email the Parade Coordinator at OPSLIPPER.Commemoration-MEL@defence.gov.au.