Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Inc

The Melbourne Committee is pleased to inform all Darwin Defenders members and supporters that a new exhibition will be held:

2 February to 10 March 2007

“Darwin’s Unique Place in Australia’s History”

Visitor Centre
Shrine of Remembrance
Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra (Melbourne)

Please endeavour to view this significant exhibition. It will comprise a wide selection of historical photos and stories depicting the devastation of Darwin on 19 February 1942, and in more than 60 air raids that followed in the ensuing 18 months.

Volunteers needed

It is our intention to have at least one (preferably two) veterans in attendance on half-day shifts. These shifts will be from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm or 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

Having a Darwin veteran representative on hand was most beneficial to those attending the 2006 exhibition.

Any veteran who served in the Darwin is welcome to volunteer as an exhibition attendant: please contact Ms Kristi Stone at Bentleigh RSL, telephone 03 9557 4547 or email admin@bentleighrsl.com.au with your available times.

A car-park permit will be available for rostered persons. Tea and coffee facilities will be available in the kitchen adjacent to the exhibition area.

Official opening

The exhibition will be officially opened on Friday 2 February 2007. Attendance at the opening is only by invitation from the Shrine Trustees.

The exhibition will be open to the public after 2.00 pm on 2 February 2007. The Visitor Centre is open daily from 10.00 am until 5.00 pm.

On Monday 19 February 2007 the exhibition can be viewed after the commemoration ceremony, between 12.30 pm and 1.00 pm. The room will then be used for a light luncheon (you must make a prior booking to attend this luncheon).

Getting to the Shrine of Remembrance

Location: Melway map 2F, grid reference J12 (view a Google Map or download a printable PDF from the City of Melbourne)

Car parking: kerbside on streets adjacent to the Shrine

Taxi: to Birdwood Avenue

Tram: along Swanston Street or St Kilda Rd, on route number 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 or 72. Disembark at tram stop number 19

Monday 19 February 2007 will be the 65th anniversary of the first Japanese bombing raids on Darwin, Australia.

The Darwin City Council will host the 65th anniversary commemoration ceremony on the Darwin Harbour’s shore. The Council is also organising tours of local museums and a trip to Adelaide River — see 65th Anniversary page on this web site for more details and contact Maxine Dowley (phone 08 8930 0684 or email m.dowley@darwin.nt.gov.au) to register your interest in attending.

Commemoration ceremonies will be held in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria — see the list of 2007 ceremonies on this web site, plus how you can organise an event in your local area. Letters to newspapers, local MPs and local radio stations are an excellent way for you to help raise awareness about this important part of Australian history.