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A commemoration of the bombing of Darwin, the largest attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australian soil, marks the beginning of the Territory Tribute’s series of events that will showcase the NT’s unique military history.
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A free community event, the Bombing of Darwin Day Commemoration Service, will take place from 9.30am-10.45pm on 19 February at Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial at The Esplanade, and marks 77 years since the attack by Axis Powers on the capital of the Northern Territory.
The City of Darwin event will include a "vintage aircraft fly over, moving performances by the Australian Army Band Darwin, Darwin Chorale and Military Wives Choir and a re-enactment of events on the historic day".
The series of tributes are "designed to commemorate and acknowledge the Territory's unique military history", and alongside the Bombing of Darwin event, will feature "truly inspiring Anzac Day Eve concert event, the Overture to Peace".
“Territory Tribute provides a wonderful opportunity to educate Australians about the events leading up to, and culminating in, the Bombing of Darwin on 19 February 1942. In many ways it shaped much of the development of the Territory and it is fitting that we will now annually recognise this significant time in Australian history,” said Wayne Kraft, chair of the Heritage Council NT.
Territory Tribute also includes the International Military Writers' Festival from 5-7 April 2019.
The festival will showcase "extraordinary stories of war", and will feature a special evening address on the opening night by festival ambassador and best-selling author Peter FitzSimons AO.
FitzSimons will "explore the events surrounding the initial bombing of Darwin ", before another special address by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC.
"I am really excited to be festival ambassador for the International Military Writers’ Festival. Not only will this festival attract world-class authors and experts in military history, it will form an intellectual and educational experience that acknowledges the contributions of military history and research to the literary world," said FitzSimons.
Overture to Peace on Anzac Day Eve will "take the audience on a journey – it will honour the men and women who have fought for our precious democracy, reflect on the enormity of the sacrifices made in order to ensure the freedoms, and shine a light on the Territory's unique wartime story".
Australian musician and television personality John Foreman OAM will direct the event, which will also feature performances by Human Nature, Dami Im and Marina Prior, as well as a host of local acts.
TERRITORY TRIBUTE PILLAR EVENTS PROGRAM
Bombing of Darwin Day Commemoration service – 19 February 2019, 9.30am-10.45pm
Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial, The Esplanade, Darwin
FREE City of Darwin community event
International Military Writers' Festival – 5-7 April 2019, various times
DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin
From $12 to $45 per person
Overture to Peace, featuring Human Nature, Dami Im and Marina Prior– 24 April 2019, 7pm-9pm
TIO Stadium, Marrara
FREE community event, with ticketed VIP packages available
More information can be found here.
