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Finishing touches are being made to the new $10 million Defence of Darwin Experience ready for it to open to families on the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin on Sunday.

 

Chief Minister Paul Henderson said the final artefacts are being installed this week ahead of the opening of the Defence of Darwin Experience at East Point from 12 noon on Saturday, February 18.

 

“We want to give families the opportunity to commemorate the bombing of Darwin, in a place that honours and tells the stories of what Territorians went through on that day,” Mr Henderson said.

 

“We want to make it easy for families to get along to an event as part of the commemorations, and the opening of the Defence of Darwin Experience is one of a series of events put on for Territorians to mark the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin.”

 

“The bombing of Darwin is a deeply personal event for Territorians, and the new Experience will provide a space for Territorians who were there to tell their stories,” Member for Fannie Bay, Michael Gunner said.

 

“Locals have been watching the Defence of Darwin Experience take shape over the past year and are keen to get a look and learn about the stories of fellow Territorians.

 

“More bombs were dropped on Darwin than on Pearl Harbor and there are many stories about that day that will be told at the Experience for the first time,” Mr Gunner said.

 

“The bomb on display was one of 70 of its kind dropped in and around Darwin, and will now spend the rest of its days sitting at the Defence of Darwin Experience foyer as a powerful reminder of that tragic day during WWII," Mr Henderson said.

 

“This bomb is one of many things to see at the $10 million Experience, which will explore an important part of Australia’s history – World War II and the build up of military defences in Darwin.”

 

The facility will be run by the Royal Australian Artillery Association and will enhance the existing Darwin Military Museum precinct at East Point. There will be a $2 increase in entry fee, and entry will now be free for Territory seniors and school groups.

 

Other relics that will be on show include:

• a water-cooled .50 calibre machine gun recovered from the World War II maritime wreck of the USS Peary
• an inflatable life jacket still bearing the blood stains of an American pilot, removed as he recovered on the Hospital Ship, Manunda
• the unpublished diary of air-raid mapping recruit, Thomas Burstow, which describes the bombings of Darwin including damage to ships, the harbour and buildings in the town

 

 

Chief Minister Henderson said the Experience is part of the Territory 2030 target to increase participation in arts and cultural events to help Territorians and their visitors experience our rich history and culture.

 

For more information on the calendar of events to mark the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin visit www.chiefminister.nt.gov.au

 

 

 

Media contact:Claire March 0403 937 849

Related files:
Henderson_Gunner Defence of Darwin.080212.pdf ( 218.13 kb )