Photographer Andrew, Marjorie
https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/PRG+1708/3/40

Larrakeyah (Darwin, N.T.)
Motion picture theaters -- Northern Territory -- Darwin.

Don:
Larrakeyah Barracks is a military base located in Darwin, Australia. In 1945, during World War II, it served as a base for the Australian Army. The base was established in 1938 and was heavily damaged during the bombing of Darwin in 1942. After the war, it was rebuilt and continues to be an active military base to this day. The Army Theatre Darwin was also located in the base during that time, which was used for entertainment and cultural activities for the soldiers stationed there.

Posted 16-February-2022

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Image Source: Original B&W
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/737767
Photographer: Steenholdt, Wilf

Image Source: Original Colour
https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-142508215/view
Creator? Flynn, John, 1880-1951

Description:
Padre Chris Goy and Rev Clyde Toft outside the Methodist Church Darwin where they preached on alternative Sundays.

Don...
Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Darwin's bustling city streets stood a beacon of history and resilience - the territory's oldest church. Once a dilapidated and forgotten structure, the former Wesleyan Methodist church has undergone a remarkable transformation.

Built in 1897, the church was designed to withstand the harsh tropical climate of Darwin, including cyclones and termites. It has stood the test of time, surviving World War II bombing, more than 19 cyclones, and years of neglect and abuse.

But in 2000, the NT Government recognized that the building's survival was uncertain and made the decision to reconstruct and move it to the Darwin Botanic gardens. And in 2014, it was renamed Eva's Cafe after Evlampia Holtze, paying homage to its rich history while also providing a new chapter in its story.

Posted 17-February-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/883388
Foelsche Collection Date: 03/06/1875

Description:
Otto Peters' Store, Mitchell Street, Palmerston.

Don:
On February 25th 1875, the steamship Gothenburg, owned by McMeckan, Blackwood, & Co., struck a reef off the coast of Queensland and became a total wreck. Only 22 of the 137 passengers were saved.

One of the deceased passengers, Mr. Otto Peters, was a well-known businessman in the mercantile community. He had previously worked at a wholesale establishment before starting his own retail business, Peters & Martin, which was successful. 

After a few years, he retired with a few thousands to his credit and traveled before starting a new business in the Northern Territory. He was also a passenger on a previous perilous voyage on a ship called the Springbok. Mr. Peters was unmarried.

Posted 18-February-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/879617
Peter Spillett Collection ;

Description:
Port Darwin harbour & Fort Hill from Stokes Hill.

Don:
Fort Hill was a majestic hill that once stood tall on Darwin Harbour in the Northern Territory of Australia. It was a site of great historical significance, being the location of George Goyder's survey camp established in 1869. The hill was not only a beacon of colonial history but also holds a special place in the hearts of the local community.

It was the earliest European burial site in Darwin, after the tragic death of John William Ogilvie Bennett, a draughtsman on Goyder's 1869 survey expedition. Bennett was fatally speared by Aboriginal people on the Adelaide River and was buried at a site on the top of Fort Hill. Another early settler, Richard Hazard, was also laid to rest on the hill after he passed away on 2 August 1869.

During World War II, Fort Hill played a vital role as it had two oil tunnels bored into the side of the hill, which were used to fuel the war efforts. But, in 1965, the hill was removed to make way for the iron-ore loading wharf, and the remains of Bennett and Hazard were relocated to Darwin Cemetery on McMillians Road. Although the hill no longer stands, the memories and history of Fort Hill will forever be etched in the annals of Darwin's history.

Posted 19-February-2023

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Image Source: Kerry Mark.

Peter Grice:
Today, the building is heritage listed and belongs to the NT Museum. It's licenced to the Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts Club and Museum, who repair, maintain and exhibit their vehicles there. 

The Hangar also houses some Museum owned pieces like the Sand Fly steam engine and the Margaret Rose steam traction engine from the failed Fogg Dam rice farm. In addition there is also a collection of Stationary Engines that belong to Leo Izod who is the same age as the hangar and his dad owned the first Holden Dealership in Darwin.

Don:
In 1934, the Sidney-Williams Company erected an impressive pre-fabricated hangar in Darwin for Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, in time for the Centenary Air race.

This state-of-the-art facility was used by the first Australia-England air service operated by Qantas and Empire Airways, as well as the inaugural Adelaide–Darwin air service operated by Qantas and Guinea Airways. After the Ross Smith airstrip was deemed inactive in 1946, the hangar was repurposed as a mechanical workshop and a store.

Posted 20-February-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/750829
Lois & Geoff Helyar Collection. Date: 01/04/1967

Description:
Stokes Hill power station, oil tanks and wharf. Aerial view.

Don:
Stokes Hill Power Station was an oil-fired thermal power station in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. It was the largest power station in the Northern Territory at the time, yet was considered unreliable and inefficient due to its high operating costs. As a result, the government had to heavily subsidize power bills for Darwin residents. The station was opened in 1962, with a capacity of 15 MW, and was upgraded to a maximum of 141 MW by 1977. After Cyclone Tracy hit in 1974, the station closed and was not fully operational again until 25 January. It was decommissioned in 2002, with a new gas-fired power station, Channel Island Power Station, replacing it.

Posted 21-February-2023

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Photographer: Samuel White Sweet

Description:
Telegraph Fleet responsible for laying cable in Darwin Harbour. On the left are two ships (Gulnare and Bengal) tied up alongside each other. Astern is Hibernia, Investigator & Edinburgh on the far right in deeper water.

Sweet’s trademark anchor is lower right among the bushes.

On 26 October 1871, the three ships, carrying the submarine cable arrived at Port Darwin. After laying the cable on the beach below the BAT offices, the ships steamed away to Banjoewangie on the east coast of Java where the cable was connected to the line which stretched across land and sea to England.

Posted 22-February-2023

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Photographer: Frey, John
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/436627

Description:
The war memorial and Government House, Darwin, 1956

Don:
The Darwin Cenotaph is a memorial to the Northern Territory's fallen heroes who served in various wars. It features three plaques with the names of those who lost their lives during World War One, and was erected outside Government House in 1921 to commemorate this conflict. In 1970, the cenotaph was relocated to the Civic Centre, and in 1992 it was moved to its current home in Bicentennial Park. It serves as a reminder of those who sacrificed their lives in service to their
country.

Posted 23-February-2023

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Image Source and Description: Joyce Davis.

Some pics to show what Darwin was like before 1941

Mrs. Bleesers Shop was like an Aladin's cave as it was packed with Sparkling Jewellery, Teddy Bears, Dolls, Scarves of every color covered with sequins or sprinkles, nick nacks, Etc. At the front behind a closed door, her husband kept his specimens of rocks, animals Etc which he collaborated with others all over the world, As I was well behaved he would let me in to see them as he knew I would not touch anything. All his years of work were destroyed by the soldiers who carried out looting and vandalism when he died many said it was of a broken heart because his life's work was gone.

Don:
Fran's store was between the Commonwealth bank and Brown's Mart. That should be the Town Hall on the right hand side, partially hidden by Jolly's Bulk Store.

Posted 24-February-2023

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Image source and Description: Andrew King

On the 16 November 1979 saw the official opening of Darwin Mall.

Don:
The Smith Street Mall in Darwin was constructed in 1979 by the architectural firm Baulderstone Hornibrook. The mall was designed to provide an attractive pedestrian shopping precinct in the city centre, with a range of shops, cafes, restaurants and other services. The mall was constructed with a range of materials, such as concrete, brick and steel, and featured a range of lighting and sound systems to create a vibrant atmosphere. The mall was also designed to be accessible to people of all abilities and featured wheelchair-friendly ramps, lifts and other features. The mall was seen as a success and helped to revitalise the city centre, attracting shoppers from across Darwin and the
Northern Territory.

In later years, the Smith Street Mall was seen as a failure, with a decline in foot traffic, vacant retail spaces and a lack of investment in the area. In recent years, a range of initiatives have been implemented to revitalise the mall, including improved lighting, public art installations and a range of events and activities.

Posted 25-February-2023

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Image Source and Description: Gee Mac

Don:
In 1947, the Communist Party made a bold move in petitioning to convert the Hotel Darwin into a community-oriented establishment. Their request was met with great enthusiasm as more than 300 people signed off on the proposal. Paspalis and Stanley Thomas Laurance were the fortunate ones who won the tender for the hotel. Unfortunately, Laurance was charged with a misdemeanor for failing to display a price list in 1948. Consequently, the publican ceased serving beer during the court proceedings, a period which was later remembered as the "beerless, cheerless days" of the Hotel Darwin.

Posted 26-February-2023

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Citation address: http://hdl.handle.net/10070/261997
Photographer: Bismark, Arnold Date taken: 30-Nov-1960 Place: Darwin (N.T.)
Collection: Arnold Bismark Collection.

Description:
Darwin Railway Station, 400 miles of railway.

Don:
The Darwin Railway Station in the 1960s was a significant landmark in the Northern Territory. Built in 1885, the station was a hub of activity, serving as a key transport hub for people travelling to and from the region.

Bryan Baker:
The station was removed about 1970 to make way for the expansion of Francis Bay area and when railway hill was cut away (and probably used as fill in the harbour).

Posted 27-February-2023

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Collection: PA-Group-00080: Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs

Darwin RSL Knuckey and Smith Street 1948
Darwin street scene with hire car parking sign

Don:
The Darwin RSL Club has a rich history, playing a significant role in shaping not only Darwin, but also Australia. It was established in 1917 by WW1 soldiers and sailors who had returned to Darwin. The club was founded with the goal of serving as a community hub for Australian Defence Force personnel and their families in the area. To raise funds, a dinner dance was held in September 1917, which was attended by a packed crowd and raised 40 pounds 10 shillings towards building a venue.

In October 1922, the Soldier's Memorial Hall was completed and opened in Darwin, located at Knuckey St. It soon became a popular gathering place for the community, offering a space for various events and a place to honor those who served in war. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the Darwin RSL grew in size and influence, becoming a focal point for WW2 veterans and a venue for entertaining dignitaries. The Soldiers Memorial Hall served the club well for 50 years, surviving the 1937 cyclone and Japanese bombings of 1942. In 1970, the club decided to relocate to a new location on Cavenagh Street and a new building was opened in 1972.

Posted 28-February-2023

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Image Source and description: Karen Smith.

The home of Bert and Eunice Pierssené and their family, pictured under construction.
McMinn Street near the Daly Street bridge and the railway line. Darwin Circa 1941.

Karen Smith's grandparents, Bert and Eunice Pierssené

My Grandparents, Bert and Eunice Pierssené, lived in Darwin before World War II. They lived in a house Pa (Bert) had recently built on McMinn Street near the Daly Street bridge and the railway line. The incomplete house is pictured in this article.

Only a week after moving in, Nana (Eunice), my mother Marie and siblings Rae, Lex, Kevin, and Veronica, aged from 11 to 3 were evacuated on the infamous "Hell Ship," S.S. Zealandia. At the time Nana (Eunice) was reluctant to leave as the youngest was unwell and my Grandfather could not go. While doing christmas shopping at Blessers, Nana (Eunice) and my mum Marie, were told they would be evacuated within 48 hours with a limit of just 35lbs (15.87kgs) of clothing between the family.

They were to leave all personal belongings including toys, except for xmas gifts for 1941. All women and children were to be evacuated by either ship or train and men and boys 18 or older had to remain to protect and maintain the running of the town. Pa (Bert), a PMG linesman, assisted with essential services and post-bombing cleanup.

Posted 1-March-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/745318
M. Goodale Collection. 

Description:
Parer's Terminus Hotel, the Eastern Cafe and the Tree of Knowledge

Don:
The Terminus Hotel, one of Darwin's first pubs, was located where the City of Darwin building stands today. Built in 1885, it was the place where Charlie King's father found himself stranded soon after arriving in Darwin. King's father, a cyclist from Melbourne, was riding around Australia with his friend Basil to promote the Malvern Star bicycle brand. However, Basil was injured on the journey when his pistol accidentally went off, shooting him in the leg. He was sent home, leaving Charlie's dad alone in Darwin with two bikes, sitting in front of the Terminus Hotel. He soon suffered from sunstroke on a labour job, and while recovering in Darwin Hospital, he was cared for by an Aboriginal woman who became his wife and Charlie's mother.

Greg Coonan:  Another interesting story about the Terminus Hotel. Added 2-March-2023
Father W M Henschke came to Darwin in 1915 (and died there in 1972: a big man – he was 6 ft 4.5 inches tall!). Shortly after arriving he spent seven years on Bathurst Island mission and ran the sawmill there on a semi-commercial basis.

The cypress pine logs (termite resistant) were floated down to the mission, cut and brought to Darwin by the mission lugger ‘St Francis’. Those logs were used to build extensions to St Mary’s Catholic Church, the Methodist mission on Goulburn Island, dwellings at the old Pt Charles lighthouse, much of Chinatown and the Club and Terminus Hotels.
Mentioned in Frank Flynn's book "Northern Gateway".

Posted 2-March-2023

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mage and description: Karen Smith

Karen Smith
My Grandparents, Bert and Eunice Pierssené, lived in Darwin before World War II. They lived in a house Pa (Bert) had recently built on McMinn Street near the Daly Street bridge and the railway line.

Posted 3-March-2023

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Photographer: McGeehan, Margaret
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/417855

Description:
People on Government House lawns, view to harbour.

Notes:
In 1962 the creator was seconded to the Darwin Public Library from the National Library of Australia.

Don:
Complete with a "Hills Hoist".

Posted 4-March-2023

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Image and Description: Karen Smith

Karen Smith
My Grandparents, Bert and Eunice Pierssené, lived in Darwin before World War II. The family was evacuated to Sydney during the war, while Bert stayed in Darwin. The family later reunited in Sydney, then returned to Darwin in 1947.

Posted 5-March-2023

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Image Source and description: Kathy Clayden

This is my parents' shop in Cavenagh Street, fondly called Hickey's Hock Shop. The occasion was Chinese New Year and it was in the early 1960s. I was with my Mum when she took the slide from the opposite side of the street next to the NT Fruit Exchange.

Posted 6-March-2023

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Image Source: Steve Wallace

Don:
By the late 1990s, the Hotel Darwin was plagued with problems, with reports claiming that the building was "riddled with cancer" and posed a serious safety hazard. Despite protests and calls from the National Trust of the NT to save the hotel, Paspalis Hotel Investment group pressed ahead with their plan to demolish the building. In a swift and controversial move, the owners began demolition on September 9th, 1999, despite a Supreme Court injunction the following day.

 
Outraged citizens gathered to try and stop the destruction, but their efforts were to no avail. By the morning of September 11th, the once magnificent Hotel Darwin lay in rubble, its demolition widely seen as an act of disregard for heritage and history.

Posted 7-March-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/748460
Photographer: Riddell, Ella

Description:
Students of the first Aboriginal boarding school, Kormilda College. Yr 6 Trial

Front L-R
Hazel Bowden Mainoru, Kathy McDouall Snake bay, Susan Murray Mainoru,
Magalgala(Maggie) Warruwi, Ruby Wilika Bamyili

Second Row L-R
Kay Brown Snake Bay, Olga Lyons Delissaville, Peggy Dawson Warrabri Tennant
Creek, Emily Driver Warrabri, Barbara Foster Warrabri, Nancy Clayton, Mainoru,
Third Row L:R Glen Blitner Roper River, Victor Riley Roper River, Jacob Daniel
Roper River, Wayne Campion Mainoru, John Wilson Snake Bay, Robin Rogers Roper River,

Back Row L-R
Harold Kelly Warrabri, Stanley Thompson Roper River, Derek Lippo Delissaville,
Bruce Murray Mainoru, Paul Daniels Bamyili. Plus Missing Arrived from Willowra
in late September: Albert Morrison Warrabri

Posted 8-March-2023

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Image and description: Karen Smith

Karen Smith
My Grandparents, Bert and Eunice Pierssené, lived in Darwin before World War II. They lived in rented house in Daly Street, prior to moving into a new a house Pa (Bert) had recently built on McMinn Street near the Daly Street bridge and the railway line.

Don:
I was going to crop the unknown person out, but felt it may take away the possibility of this person being recognised by a descendant in the future.

Posted 9-March-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/787178
Colin Gill Collection ;

Don:
The Hotel Darwin, also known as the "Grand Old Duchess", was a well-known hotel located on The Esplanade in central Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia. Despite surviving the bombing of Darwin and Cyclone Tracy, the hotel was ultimately demolished in 1999. However, a bar at the rear of the original site, formerly known as the Hot & Cold Bar, now operates under the name Hotel
Darwin.

The hotel was designed by D. K. Turner of the architectural firm Messrs. Stephenson and Turner, and was built on the site of the old Club Hotel in 1936 at a cost of between £50,000 and £85,000. The opening of the hotel was attended by 200 people, and was officiated by the Northern Territory Administrator Charles Aubrey Abbott, with his wife Hilda Abbott opening the doors using a golden key, which is now on display at the Defence of Darwin Experience. However, the opening of the hotel was surrounded with controversy as several prominent Darwin figures did not receive an invitation.

Posted 10-March-2023

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Image and Description: Karen Smith

Only a week after moving in, Nana (Eunice), my mother Marie and siblings Rae, Lex, Kevin, and Veronica, aged from 11 to 3 were evacuated on the infamous "Hell Ship," S.S. Zealandia. At the time Nana (Eunice) was reluctant to leave as the youngest was unwell and my Grandfather could not go. While doing christmas shopping at Blessers, Nana (Eunice) and my mum Marie, were told they would be evacuated within 48 hours with a limit of just 35lbs (15.87kgs) of clothing between the family. They were to leave all personal belongings including toys, except for xmas gifts for 1941. All women and children were to be evacuated by either ship or train and men and boys 18 or older had to remain to protect and maintain the running of the town. Pa (Bert), a PMG linesman, assisted with essential services and post-bombing cleanup.

Posted 11-March-2023

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Image Source and Description: Marcia Davis

Description:
Ian, Tony, Denise, Ellen, Marcia Davis nee Izod, Chris Davis, Russel, Michael and Jenny Izod

Posted 12-March-2023

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Photographer: McGeehan, Margaret
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/417769

Description:
Front of Government House with palm tree.

Don:
Perched on the hillsides of Darwin's bustling business district, The Esplanade, lies the grand and storied Government House - the official residence and office of the Administrator of the Northern Territory in Australia. With its roots dating back to 1870 and 1871, this magnificent building has been home to successive Government Residents and Administrators and stands as the oldest European building in the Northern Territory.

Boasting mid-Victorian Gothic architecture, Government House is a stunning example of a classic villa style, adapted to the local climate with the addition of shaded verandahs and porches. Despite facing numerous challenges such as earthquakes, cyclones, enemy bombing raids, white ant infestations, and public demonstrations, the building has persevered and remains one of the most beautiful and impressive structures in Darwin.

On December 17, 1918, Government House made history when it became the center of political turmoil and union unrest against John Gilruth's administration. A crowd of 1000 demonstrators marched to the house, burning an effigy of Gilruth and demanding his resignation, an incident that has become known as the Darwin Rebellion.

In recognition of its historical significance, Government House was entered onto the now-defunct Register of the National Estate in 1991 and added to the Northern Territory Heritage Register in 1996. Today, it serves as a symbol of the government's presence in Darwin and stands as a testament to the rich heritage and exciting history of the Northern Territory.

Posted 13-March-2023

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Image Source and description: Tim Parry

Photo of my father, Bill Parry, with my sisters Judith & Helen at Darwin airport. About 1955.
Bill Parry was the bookkeeper at VRD station from about 1953 to 1957 & the family would occasionally visit Darwin.

Bill Parry, at Darwin airport. Circa 1955

Posted 14-March-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/669319
Howard Truran Collection. ;

Description:
Lillian Cummings, 1st president of Country Women's Association, Darwin, 1937. Died in Canberra, 1982. Lillian came to the Northern Territory in 1905 with her parents Mr & Mrs Walker.

Don:
The Country Women's Association (CWA) is an Australian organization that focuses on the needs and concerns of rural women and communities. The CWA has been active since the 1920s and has played a significant role in advocating for and supporting the rights and welfare of rural women and families.

In general, the CWA has been active in a wide range of activities, including lobbying for improved health care, education, and social services for rural communities; providing support and assistance to farmers and their families during times of hardship; and working to preserve and promote the culture and heritage of rural Australia. The organization is made up of branches at the local level, with each branch having a president and other officers who manage the day-to-day activities of the group.

Posted 15-March-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/748830
Ian Hunter Collection 

Description:
Volkswagen in 1957 Mobilgas Rally. The car was crewed by Bob Foreman and John McDougall from Carlsruhe, Victoria. Finished in 5th place. "Leading car in trial at the time" - description from slide.

Don:
The Mobilgas Rally was an endurance car race that took place in Australia during the 1950s and 1960s. The race was known for its grueling course, which spanned over 4,000 miles (6,400 km) across the continent.

In 1957, the Mobilgas Rally's leading car in Darwin was a 1957 Ford Mainline Utility, driven by Bill Murray and navigated by John "Jumbo" Godfrey. The car was sponsored by the Mobilgas fuel company and was painted in their iconic blue and red colors.

The Ford Mainline Utility was a popular vehicle in Australia at the time, known for its durability and toughness. Murray and Godfrey's car was modified with extra fuel tanks, heavy-duty suspension, and a roll cage to prepare it for the harsh conditions of the race.

The Darwin leg of the Mobilgas Rally was particularly challenging, with drivers having to navigate rough terrain and extreme weather conditions. Murray and Godfrey's Ford Mainline Utility managed to hold on to the lead, eventually winning the rally after completing the entire course.

The description if this photo states that the Volkswagen was the leading car at the time, which appears to be incorrect. I remember Bill Murray and the vehicle during those years. The cars in this photo have Victorian number plates starting with "G". I had a 1956 FJ Holden a few years later, that had the registration "GRM-302".

Posted 16-March-2023

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Photographer: Peck, David
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/870267
Norman C. Pearce Collection ;

Description:
Mrs Hasluck enters diesel-electric engine during opening of diesel railway. Engine number NSU-64.
Date: 29/10/1956

Notes:
Information about this photograph and the related links was supplied by B. Baker on 3 July 2022

Don:
On 22 May 1956, the diesel-electric engine for the railway at Frances Bay in Darwin, Northern Territory, was officially opened. The ceremony was attended by many dignitaries, including Mrs. Alexandra Hasluck, the wife of the then Governor-General of Australia, Sir Paul Hasluck.

During the opening ceremony, Mrs. Hasluck was given the honor of driving the diesel-electric engine and officially starting its journey on the railway. The event was well documented in the press, with several photographs showing Mrs. Hasluck, dressed in a smart suit and hat, at the controls of the engine.

Mrs. Hasluck's involvement in the opening ceremony was a mark of the significance of the occasion, and it helped to draw attention to the importance of the railway for the development of the city. The event is still remembered today as an important milestone in the history of Darwin's transport infrastructure.

Posted 17-March-2023

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Photographer: Atkins, Alan V
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/610736
Alan V. Atkins Collection. Date: 01/10/1964

Description:
Mrs Joan Atkins in Government House

Chris Meakin:
Mrs A Atkins, District Commissioner for Scouts... It was Divisional Commissioner, Mrs Joan Atkins greatest wish that a Brownie Cottage be built at the ‘Woorabinda’ camp site at Howard Springs in memory of her husband Alan Atkins, who had been the Assistant Administrator before his untimely death. The cottage was to be named ‘The Alan Atkins Memorial Brownie Cottage’.  http://www.nt.scouts.com.au/WoorabindaHistory

Posted 18-March-2023

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