Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/316514
Grant Tambling Collection ;

Description:
The RSL building in the background with a fountain sitting in the middle of a park, Smith Street, Darwin, NT, 1960.

Don:
The Darwin RSL started collecting funds in 1917 to build a Memorial Hall in honor of those who served in World War I. The hall was completed in 1922 and was used as a venue for social and community events, as well as a meeting place for
returned soldiers. Over time, the Memorial Hall became a hub for the local community, and in 1946, a group of ex-servicemen decided to establish the Darwin RSL as a club to provide ongoing support and assistance to veterans and their
families.

Posted 9-April-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/723022
Lois & Geoff Helyar Collection ;

Don:
Stokes Hill Wharf is a historic wharf located in Darwin. During the 1960s, the wharf was a bustling hub of activity and a vital gateway to the Northern Territory. It was the main arrival and departure point for cargo and passenger ships, and it played an important role in the economic development of the region.

However, in 1974, the wharf was severely damaged by Cyclone Tracy, and many of the original buildings were destroyed. In the years that followed, the wharf underwent a significant transformation, with new buildings and facilities being
constructed to replace those that had been lost. Today, Stokes Hill Wharf is a popular destination for tourists and locals, offering a range of dining, entertainment, and shopping options, as well as stunning views of Darwin Harbour and the surrounding area.

Posted 10-April-2023

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Image source and description: Robert Porter

Don:
The history of the Parap Hotel in Darwin, Australia is somewhat fragmented, but it is believed to have been established in 1937 to cater to the passenger traffic from the nearby Parap Air Port. The hotel was damaged during the Japanese bombing of Darwin in World War II in April 1942, and Cyclone Tracy in 1974, but on both occasions was later rebuilt.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Parap Hotel was transformed into a topless bar and became a popular gathering spot for artists, musicians, and political activists. Despite this change in atmosphere, the hotel remained under the ownership of the Dowling family since 1947.

However, in 2020, the Parap Tavern was acquired by the Long WALE Investment Partnership, a Charter Hall managed partnership, for $19.7 million. Despite its colourful history, the Parap Hotel remains a vital part of the community in
Darwin and continues to be a popular destination for travelers and locals alike.

Joyce Davis 12-April-2023:
The Parap Hotel was started by George Searle, whose wife was a daughter of May Brown, the Wolfram Queen. At that stage, May Brown was living on the corner of Bennett and Smith Street, where the Commonwealth Bank was later built. The owner of the Vic Hotel was her sister and another of May Brown's daughters. Jackie Searle later married Vern O'Brien. She was sent to Sydney to live with another aunt when her mother passed away. Then George Searle joined the AIF. After the war, he was discharged and returned to Darwin in Jan 1946 with my mother, father, and myself on the Ghan train.

There was a bridge wash-away just north of Maree, so we were held up there for a week. My father, Mum, and myself had to get a room at the Mare Hotel while we waited, but a lot of the passengers had to sleep on the train till the line had been repaired. When we reached Alice Springs, we were met by my brother Fred, who had driven a truck to the Alice to meet us, and Dad purchased another there as well. We travelled overland by the trucks carrying our goods, and Dad, Fred, and George Searle took turns driving through the night and staying at hotels during the day.

 When we reached Darwin, we dropped George off at the Parap Hotel and finished our journey at our house in Smith Street, which was the original Curio by Jack Buscall, and my father had purchased from him in Adelaide before we returned to Darwin because our house and business in Cavenagh Street had been destroyed. George Searle sold the Parap Hotel to the Dowling family in 1947.

Posted 11-April-2023

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Image Source and Description: Jill Kinang

Don:
Initially, in 1946, the NT Police Headquarters Component required accommodation, and the government rented the pre-war Mendes Building located in Bennett Street before eventually purchasing it. The building initially housed the Police
Station, Headquarters, and some other government departments, but later became the Police Headquarters, the eighth Police Station, and also provided accommodation for some single officers.

Although it retained the sign of Police Headquarters in a picture, by the early 1960s, the Police Headquarters had relocated to a former Police Barracks on Daly Street. The Bennett Street building was well-known among long-time residents of Darwin as the Bennett Street Police Station, and it suffered damage during Cyclone Tracy. The building was ultimately demolished in 1975.

Posted 12-April-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/314675
Dianne J. Howard Collection. Date:10/07/1982

Description:
Bougainvillea Parade - Top End Folk Club float consisted of a paper mache replica of the Gun Turret. The parade moves along the Esplanade towards the Travelodge on the right.

Don:
In 1977, most of Darwin's population gathered at Vestey's Beach for the Beer Can Regatta - the first major communal gathering since Cyclone Tracy's devastating effects in 1974. Among them was Dr. Charles Gurd, who saw an opportunity to rebuild Darwin's spirits. Energized by Victoria's Rose Festival, Dr. Gurd was inspired to create a floral festival for Darwin - and what better flower to represent the city than its bright and colorful bougainvillea?

The first Bougainvillea Festival was held in July 1979, marking the one-year anniversary of self-government. According to an article in the print publication Accelerator (1982), the festival aimed to celebrate the city and its people while also highlighting the significance of the bougainvillea. The Grand Parade, which has become an annual tradition, saw the crowning of the Bougainvillea Queen, a title bestowed upon a woman deemed to embody the essence of Darwin.

Today, the Bougainvillea Festival continues to attract locals and tourists alike, with its vibrant parade, market stalls, and carnival rides. It stands as a testament to the resilience and community spirit of Darwin, born out of the devastation of Cyclone Tracy and the determination to rebuild and flourish.

Posted 13-April-2023

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Image Source: N/A

Christine Skeen Hunter
Lol me and my brother in the same class most of our school years

Sheena Cummings
Michael Timms, Darren Anderson,

Lynelle Anderson
That’s Kylie and me to right omg lol

Annie Pettitt
The lad with his arm around the teacher ??

Laraine Feeney
Who are the teachers please

James Fullerton
Laraine Feeney 2nd from the right is Catherine Fullerton.
Others will have to give you the others

Don:
The history of Millner Primary School is a fascinating tale of evolution and growth, stretching back to its humble beginnings in the early 1950s. Originally known as the "Darwin Primary School Annex," the school was located in the suburb of Millner and catered to just a handful of students.

Despite its small size, the school quickly gained a reputation for excellence in education, with passionate teachers and a strong focus on student engagement. Over time, the school continued to expand, with new facilities and resources added to meet the needs of a growing student population.

Throughout its history, Millner Primary School has remained committed to fostering a love of learning and helping students achieve their full potential. Today, it is a thriving institution that continues to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders and thinkers in the Darwin community.

From its modest beginnings to its present-day success, Millner Primary School is a testament to the power of education and the resilience of those who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Posted 15-April-2023

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Image Source and Description: Robert Porter

Cathy Johnson
Lindy-lou Ashcroft (Smith) & Steve Wallace (deceased 2022). Other cars used were single cab Toyota Hi-lux with cage on the back, V8 Falcon sedan pursuit, Jeep stationwagon highway patrol, Range Rover Highway patrol, Toyota landcruiser utes with cage, Honda 750cc motorcycles, to mention a few.

Posted 16-April-2023

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Citation address:
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/346227
Ruth Tucker Collections

Notes:
Ruth Tucker nee Egge was a teacher in Darwin during the 1950s

Don:
Children seem to be holding up possibly school projects, as many appear to be maps of Australia.

Posted 17-April-2023

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Citation address:
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/883404
Fay Cheater Collection. ;

Description:
Darwin Sailing Club and Vesteys Beach from cliff near Ross Smith Memorial.

Don:
Starting from humble beginnings, sailing on Darwin Harbour was almost non-existent until the early 1960s due to the tides being perceived as too dangerous by many. In March 1963, the Darwin Sailing Club was established with the aim of promoting and encouraging the building, sailing, and racing of all types of sailing craft in Darwin and surrounding waters.

The first commodore of the club was Tom Strickland, and the inaugural race took place on April 15, 1963, with 11 boats participating, ranging from an 8-foot dinghy to 20-foot catamarans. Membership fees were two pounds and two shillings per year, with associates and juniors paying 10 shillings. To raise money for the club, associates sold soft drinks and cigarettes on the beach.

In the beginning, the club used the APEX rotunda as its clubhouse until a temporary one was built covered with chicken wire and thatched with coconut palm fronds. The first stage of the clubhouse was opened in 1966, and in 1968, the Alan Atkins wing was officially opened by the Prime Minister, John Gorton, named after the club's patron and assistant administrator. In 1970, the Junior Clubhouse was constructed, which has since been divided up to house the Ambon Office, the Training Room, and the Juniors Room. The club suffered severe damage from Cyclone Tracy in December 1974, but due to the hard work of its members, the season opened as planned on April 13, 1975, with 43 boats sailing. Many sailing clubs throughout Australia sent donations to aid in the rebuilding of the club.

Over the years, many different classes of boats have been based at the Darwin Sailing Club. Initially, catamarans were predominant, and by 1968, the club provided class racing in A Class, B Class, Arafura Cadet, Arrow, Moth, Mirror, and open.

Mark Thompson Please note..
The buildings in the foreground are the Trailer Boat Club, not the sailing club. The sailing club is to the left, past the Boat Club. Slightly important, on a personal level. The caravan leaning up against the building was stropped up in our backyard at McDonald St , it was the first iteration of the DTBC beach van that sold soft drinks and snacks on the beach. My father was a cofounder of the Boat club. Both of my folks ‘lived’ for the early club! The first concrete boat ramp was reinforced with nicked scrap from the East Point guns, long before anyone thought that they might be worth keeping. The guys would get Syd Lauder’s semi and crane and the oxy and trundle off……

Posted 18-April-2023

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Citation address:
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/741459
Colin Gill Collection ;

Description:
Darwin signpost indicating distance to Adelaide 2029m and Alice Springs 947m. Circa 1952.

Jeffrey Fong:
Can just make out direction sign post on that block wall with Sun Cheong Loong in background.

Don:
Death of Mr. A. E. Jolly, Founder of Big Darwin Firm 12-August-1933

Mr. A. E. Jolly, founder of the Darwin firm A. E. Jolly & Company, passed away yesterday after a long illness. He was born in Mendelsham, Suffolk in 1866, and arrived in South Australia in 1879. Two years later, he moved to Darwin, where he worked for Adcock Bros. as a storekeeper. After a year, he went into business with Mr. Luxton, and their first year of trading resulted in a profit of £700. Mr. Luxton left the partnership, and A. E. Jolly & Company was formed. Adcock Bros. suffered during the banking crisis of that time, and Mr. Jolly purchased their premises and much of their stock. Gradually, the business was expanded, and became known at Borrolola, Roper River, Union Town, Pine Creek, and Wyndham.

Mr. Jolly became interested in the pearling industry, and employed as many as 12 luggers. One of his pearls was sold for £700. At one point, the settlement at Roper River ran out of stores. Mr. Jolly purchased a schooner in Sydney, filled it with stores, and sent it to Roper River. From there, the schooner went to Darwin, where it was loaded with trade stores that were then traded at the Celebes Islands and Timor.

Mr. Jolly left Darwin in 1896 but continued to manage the company from Adelaide. He is survived by his widow, formerly Miss Ada B. Hughes of Darwin, two sons (Messrs. A. W. Jolly of North Adelaide and E. E. Jolly of Medindie), and a daughter, Mrs. K. A. Wood. All are directors of the firm that their father founded.

Posted 19-April-2023

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Photographer: Boyce, Thomas
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/717722
Denise Garside Collection ;

Don:
The Darwin Airport in 1957 was located in the same general location as the current Darwin International Airport, which is approximately 8 kilometers north-east of the city center of Darwin, Northern Territory, However, it was a much smaller airport at that time, with limited facilities and services compared to the current airport. The current Darwin International Airport has undergone significant upgrades and expansions over the years, including a major redevelopment in 1991 and subsequent upgrades in 2008 and 2019.

Posted 20-April-2023

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Image and Description by Allan Laurence

View from our balcony across Progress Drive towards Savvas Footwear in the Nightcliff Shopping Centre. I still buy my shoes from this family business 35 years after Cyclone Tracy. This series of photos were taken late December 1974 after most of the initial clearing had been completed.

Posted 26-April-2023

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Image souce and description: Joyce Davis

I unearthed this photo today (18-Nov-2021) when I was looking for something else. The Adams family were related to the Benison and my Drysdale family. My father, uncle and maternal grandparents all built their homes behind these Railway Cottages in the 1920s when they all worked for the Railways. They were on the Stuart Highway heading south just past Parap Road.

Don:
There were indeed railway-built houses constructed in Parap, Darwin prior to 1910. These houses were built to provide accommodation for railway workers who were involved in the construction of the North Australia Railway, which was built between 1883 and 1929.

The North Australia Railway was a significant project that aimed to connect Darwin with the rest of Australia, and it required a significant amount of manpower to complete. As a result, the railway company constructed a number of houses for its workers, including those in the Parap area.

Some of these houses are still standing today and are now heritage-listed. They are a reminder of the important role that the railway played in the development of Darwin and the Northern Territory.

Posted 27-April-2023

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Image: Steve Wallace

Don:
The origin of the name Cullen Beach remains unclear, despite appearing on plans as early as 1913. There are two possible explanations for the name's origin. One possibility is that it is a misspelling or mispronunciation of "Kahlin," as both names have appeared on maps during the period when the Kahlin Aboriginal compound was built. Another possibility is that the beach was named after a senior partner in the solicitors' firm Cullen and Wigley, who were located in Pine Creek during the 1870s mining period. The Pine Creek area also features the names Cullen River and Mt Wigley, which were named in the early 1870s. In 1993, the construction of the Cullen Bay housing estate and marina led to the adoption of the name Cullen Bay for the enclosed bay between Myilly and Emery Points. The Cullen Bay Marina Act (1994) and Regulations govern the management of the bay and marina. Cullen Bay is situated in the suburb of Larrakeyah, within the Town of Darwin.

Posted 28-April-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/333427
Jim Gayton Collection ;

Description:
Aerial view from Doctor's Gully to East Arm in the distance. Esplanade, Mitchell and Smith Street are identifiable.

Don:
In the 1600s, the Dutch explored Australia's northern coastline, landing on the Tiwi Islands and creating the first European maps of the area. This accounts for the Dutch names in the area, such as Arnhem Land and Groote Eylandt. During this time, the region around Darwin which included nearby Kimberley was named Van Diemen's Gulf after VOC governor-general Anthony van Diemen. In 1839, Lieutenant John Lort Stokes of HMS Beagle named the port after Charles Darwin, the British naturalist who had sailed with them on the second expedition of the Beagle. In 1869, the Overland Telegraph Line was built, connecting Australia and Europe through a network of telegraph stations, followed by the construction of the Darwin–Adelaide railway in the late 1880s.

Des Smith: 16-May-2023
I remember seeing this photo recently, and commenting that it was late 1955. In fact I can date it more accurately as September 1955. I was working in Darwin then as a young engineer, and spent some time in 1954 and 1955 on the construction of the new Stokes Hill wharf. The OT line was built between 1870 and 1872, and the only parts of the Adelaide to Darwin railway built by about the late 1880's were Darwin to Pine Creek (1889) and Port Augusta to Oodnaxatta (1891). The Adelaide to Darwin railway was only finished about 20 years ago - the first train ran in January 2004.

Posted 29-April-2023

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Image Source: N/A

Laurie Feehan
Berrimah Primary school building is now owned and occupied by NT Catholic Missions as the admin base for the Catholic Church. Now called the Ted Collins centre after Bishop Ted Collins. The berrimah pre school building is still next door, and has had a number of uses since being closed as a pre school, but is now unoccupied and in a sad stare of repair.

Joanna Keighley
Kormilda (Halleybury Rendall) and Berrimah primary were separate schools. Kormilda was originally the Qantas staff accommodation for when they had to overnight in Darwin

Posted 1-May-2023

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Image Source: N/A

Don:
The construction of the Darwin Casino began in 1979 and was completed in 1983. The project was a joint venture between the Federal Hotels Group and the NT Government.

The construction of the casino faced many challenges, including the need to build on a swampy site that was prone to flooding. As a result, the casino was built on a series of piles driven deep into the ground to provide a stable foundation.

The design of the casino was inspired by the tropical climate of the Northern Territory, with open-air spaces and a large lagoon-style swimming pool. The casino featured a range of gaming options, including table games, slot machines, and keno.

Since its opening, the Darwin Casino has become a popular entertainment destination for locals and tourists alike. In 2019, the casino was rebranded as the Mindil Beach Casino Resort, and it continues to offer a wide range of gaming, dining, and accommodation options.

Posted 2-May-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/610708
Alan V. Atkins Collection. ;

Description:
Aerial view of Government House, rear of Stuart and Wells building, Legislative Assembly, Supreme Court towards Darwin Hotel on Herbert Street.

Don:
The intersection of Herbert Street and the Esplanade can be seen at two points in this photo, right at the Darwin Hotel.
Posted 3-May-2023

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Image and Description: Jill Kinang.

Posted 25-April-2023

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Image and Description: Jill Kinang.

Aerial view over Diamond Beach Casino, 1985

Posted 4-May-2023

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Image Source and Description: Jill Kinang

Don:
The Bank of New South Wales in Darwin, now known as Westpac Bank, was built in the Interwar Georgian Revival style that was common for Bank of New South Wales buildings in the 1920s and 30s. Completed in 1940, the building is located at the corner of Smith and Bennett Streets.

Posted 5-May-2023

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Image Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/

One of the three banks on the intersection of Bennett Street and Smith Street Darwin was the Commercial Bank of Australia. The facade of the CBA Bank was retained when the new Paspaley Building was later raised on this site. Date 1 December 1977,

Posted 6-May-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/316827
Grant Tambling Collection ;

Description: (incorrect)
The entrance to the old Darwin Hospital, Lambell Terrace, Darwin, NT, 196?.

Andrew King
Smith Street and Mitchell Street both ended at Daly Street. At some stage in the 1950s, Beetson and McKay were absorbed into the longer streets. See additional map of the area which is the council plan from 1952.

Posted 7-May-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/454705
Royal Darwin Hospital, Nursing Dept. Collection

Description: Group 3/85. Left-Right.
Back Row: L. Williams, D. Kustra, S. Presswell, A. Kilner, M. Tarei, P. Hodge, C. Ferguson.
Middle Row: S. Hockley, A. Scattini, G. Hayes, A. Hoschke, T. Rout, L. O'Neill, S. Talyor, R. Clifton, P. Hoschke.
Front Row: Sr P. Glover, Sr T. Raines, S. McAliece, C. Drescher, B. Bryen, Z. Siddle, Sr C. Mutton.

Posted 8-May-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/417798
Photographer: McGeehan, Margaret

Description:
Long distance view of side of hotel.

Don:
The Esplanade curved around onto Bennett Street when this image was taken. This intersection no longer exists.

Posted 9-May-2023

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Image Source: Harry Kirkland

Darwin 1969 Jude and Chris Hawker
These photos have been scanned from my fathers slides. He took them during a helicopter flight over Darwin in September 1969. My Dads name was Harry Kirkland and he was in the RAAF at the time of taking these photos.

Don:
Daly Street Bridge is located on Stuart Highway in Darwin, Northern Territory. Daly Street, which is approximately 1.5 kilometers long, is known for its bridge, commonly referred to as the bridge that starts Darwin CBD. The street extends from The Esplanade in Darwin City to the Stuart Highway. Although there are not many businesses situated on Daly Street nowadays, there are several active and disused car yards, as well as Harriet Place, which includes a small backpackers. Interestingly, the foundation of the railway line bridge, also known as Bill's Reminiscing, is still visible, although the tracks were removed, making it appear like a hump in the road.

Posted 12-May-2023

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Photo taken by Harry Kirkland Darwin September 1969

Jude and Chris Hawker - Darwin 1969
These photos have been scanned from my fathers slides. He took them during a helicopter flight over Darwin in September 1969. My Dads name was Harry Kirkland and he was in the RAAF at the time of taking these photos.

Don:
On February 19, 1942, Japanese forces launched a surprise air raid on Darwin, causing extensive damage to the city's infrastructure and killing over 240 people. Stokes Hill Wharf was among the primary targets of the attack, with several ships in the harbor, including the USAT Meigs, being destroyed or damaged.

In the aftermath of the attack, Stokes Hill Wharf was quickly repaired and reinforced, becoming a key strategic asset for the Allies in the Pacific. It served as a base for amphibious operations against the Japanese in the region, and was also used to support the Allied forces in New Guinea and other nearby areas of conflict.

A new Wharf was built alongside the repaired one around 1955-56, and that is the one shown in this image, which basically still exists today

Today, the wharf serves as a reminder of the important role that Darwin played during World War II and is home to a number of historical sites and memorials commemorating the sacrifices of those who served and lost their lives during the war. The wharf has become a popular tourist destination and is a testament to the resilience of the people of Darwin and the Northern Territory.

Posted 14-May-2023

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Photo number: PH0803/0029
Photographer: Boyce, Thomas
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/822908
Collection: Denise Garside Collection PictureNT

Additional location image: Andrew King
East Point Road between Bayview Street and Covilas Road just before you enter the reserve on the right. Hotel was wrecked in Cyclone Tracy.

Posted 15-May-2023

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Image Source and Description: Fran Walker

Helene Canaris was a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding, though the year is uncertain, it was approximately 1946. She worked with her siblings Fred Canaris, Dorothy, Florence, Magdalene (Julie), Connie, and Marion in her parents' Star Milk Bar. Helene often modeled clothes downtown for various fundraising events.

After Helene passed away in 2002, her cousin Jasmine told me a beautiful story. It was about my mother walking down Smith Street in a suit and being noticed by James A. Michener, the author of Hawaii. Michener was said to have asked Jasmine, "Who is that woman?" to which Jasmine replied, "That's my cousin Helene Canaris, a local dress shop owner." Michener then said, "I've traveled the world and never before have I seen a woman as beautiful as her."

The Star Milk Bar was owned by Michael Canaris and his wife Evangalia. Helene's mother passed away, and her father later sold the milk bar.

My mother passed away on November 5, 2002, in Brisbane. At the time, I was in Darwin, having my youngest son. We flew to Brisbane for her funeral, and the plane was half full of her family.

Helene loved fishing with her father Michael Canaris. She loved to be on the boat. He was also a professional fisherman and restaurant keeper. She had beautiful olive skin and emerald green eyes.

Posted 14-April-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/570036 Collection: Sneek, Tom

Citation Description:
Dad with the four children, Peter, Robert, Mary and Anita sitting on the edge of a raise garden bed. Nightcliff 1957.

Herbert Sinclair:
The house is still there Don, looks fine, I have a photo of it getting built. Somewhere, Peter, Anita, Mary, and Robert Sneek and their father Tom Sneek. Our next door neighbours at 67 Nightcliff Rd. I am still in touch with Peter Sneek. He lives in Morayfield ne’er Caboolture QLD.

Posted 21-April-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/484913
Arnold Bismark Collection ;

Description:
House on the top of the hill.

Jeffrey Fong: Originally Bill Burrow's.
Denver Marchant: Interesting man. His entertainment shack near Pee Wee East point was a ripper. He sold his Ford Thunderbird to Marshall Perron.
Phil Maynard: We always knew it as the boat or ship house.
Jenny Mason: East Point Road
Mark Thompson: Overlooking the Trailer Boat Club and Sailing Club, Fannie Bay Beach.

Posted 22-April-2023

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Date Created: 01/02/1982
Photographer: Wiedemann, Bert
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/641202

Description: Library & Archives NT
Patrons in the Green Room, Hotel Darwin, Herbert Street.

Do you have memories of eating at the fancy Green Room at the Darwin Hotel?

This month as part of our pubs and bars series, we are highlighting The Darwin Hotel.
The Darwin Hotel was located on the Esplanade near Mitchell St and was commonly known as the ‘Grand Old Duchess’.

Having survived both the Bombing of Darwin and Cyclone Tracey, its history was connected with ‘Old Darwin’ and the pioneering working class. A popular gathering place, the Hotel had the Hot’n’Cold Bar annexed at its rear and was particularly known for its fine dining restaurant called ‘The Green Room’.

In 1947, the Communist Party petitioned to turn the Hotel Darwin into a community hotel, which was signed by more than 300 people. Despite its long history and status as a community landmark, the Hotel was demolished in September 1999, for it being it being ‘structurally unsound’. There was public outcry to save the property, with the police having to defuse the situation at the time of demolition.

Singer and song writer Cathy Miller was inspired by the story and wrote a song about the ‘Grand Old Duchess’ evoking the community sentiment and sense of loss of a heritage landmark.

The current Hotel Darwin, is on the former site of the Hot’n’Cold Bar of the old Hotel Darwin on Mitchell St. Do you have any memories of the old Hotel Darwin? If so, we would love for you to share them.

Posted 16-May-2023

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Image Source:  Keith Maynard

Phil Maynard:
Hi Don, The photo of Jeff's house was taken by my father, Keith Maynard in early 1955. He was up here on a field trip with the Bureau of Mineral Resource exploring for uranium. He told mum to put our house (in Melbourne) on the market and we all moved to Darwin in Sept. 1955.

Don:
This was six year old Jeffey Fong's family home at this time. The house was sold recently, and in 2022-23 the house was bulldozed. I remember Jeff telling me that his family was questioned about their poor choice of building a house way out past the Goal. Fortunately, I was able to capture a recent image of the house using Google Street View:

Posted 23-April-2023

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