Many old photographs and stories of the history of Darwin
Please share this story with your family and friends so that they can read about the Darwin stories, its history, and what it has to offer tourists.
Thank you very much, Don...
Darwin Gallery Index. Images 0800-751 to 0800-800
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The Stories
Image Source: N/A. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Description:
Commonwealth Bank Smith and Bennett Street Darwin Circa 1960s
Posted 29-Sep-2023
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0800-752
Image Source: Bruce Donaldson. Taken by my father Don Donaldson in the 1950's. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Description:
The remains of the post office that was bombed during the war. The Esplanade Darwin Circa 1950s. Taken from near the Cenotaph outside Government House.
Posted 27-Sep-2023
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0800-753
Image Source: Bruce Donaldson. Taken by my father Don Donaldson in the 1950's. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Description:
Anzac Day Darwin 1957. Cenotaph outside Government House with the ruins of the old Post Office in the background.
Posted 25-Apr-2024
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0800-754
Image Source and description: Donna Matowitz. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Description:
Lived in Batchelor for a year. Then back to Darwin.
Back row
Teacher Peter Burkhardt, Aidrian Bennett, Don Taylor, Dean Kelly, Karl Detloff and Peter Bradley
Second row
Neil Gaden, Craig Leach, Errol Kerle, Llewellyn Austral, John Collins, Noel Collins,
Front row
Shelly Bye, Rosemary Sullivan, Christine Bligh, _ ,_ , Jane Bradley, Berryl Bligh,
Posted 20-Mar-2024
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0800-755
Image Source: N/A
Description:
Bombing of Darwin: Damage to Darwin was widespread. The photograph shows Cavenagh St, with a view across Bennett Street intersection toward the Esplanade. It shows Gordon's Don Hotel and Chinatown.
Posted 13-Feb-2024
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0800-756
Image Source: Brian Tomlin
Description:
Where Darwin High School is now. Mindil Beach and Myilly Point in the background.
Posted 22-Mar-2024
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0800-757
Image Source: N/A. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Description:
Woolworths, Smith and Knuckey Street Darwin after Cyclone Tracy.
Posted 25-Mar-2024
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Before.
0800-758
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/629300
Robert Monteith Collection
Description:
Five men sitting relaxing, two with pipes, very short haircuts. Darwin Circa 1920
Don:
I believe Robert Monteith (the photographer of this image) was employed by BAT (British Australia Telegraph), so this may well be other fellow employees and taken outside the BAT building on the Esplanade Darwin.
Chris Meakin
Might be at the barbers as they all look like they were just shorn.
Cheryl And-Don McKenzie
I found more of Robert Monteith's work. Shaved heads all around. Perhaps it was just short hair week, or possibly protection from the flu, just like wearing masks now and then.
Marianne McAdie
Shaving heads was part of a remedy for several ailment, one being a fever. Possibly they are all convalescing. Could be the Spanish flu.
Cheryl And-Don McKenzie
Marianne McAdie Hey, that's a good thought Macca. After recent research, I found out that they had a Spanish Flu Hospital in the little town I came from, Rainbow in Victoria. And I am talking 1919. I was gob-smacked with that one, so this is a potential answer for sure.
Marianne McAdie
https://lant.nt.gov.au/explore-nt-history/spanish-flu-territory Interesting reading particularly the impact on aboriginal population and the lockdown. They appear to have a sandstone wall behind them. The article has a photo of the quarantine station but I cannot discern any likely stone buildings.
Posted 29-Mar-2024
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0800-759
Image Source: WA-22863-F Photograph taken by Whites Aviation Circa 1949. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Description:
Haileybury Rendall School Berrimah Darwin. Stuffed saltwater crocodile at the poolside.
Qantas Empire Airways, children sitting with an imitation crocodile beside a swimming pool, Berrimah, Darwin, Australia
Tineale Browne:
The first ever inground swimming pool built in Darwin was at the old QANTAS Accommodation facility in Berrimah. The QANTAS ball was a highlight of the social calendar back in the day with the pool being filled with water Lillie’s for the event. At one stage the pool featured it’s very own stuffed saltwater crocodile! Haileybury Rendall School has just completed an upgrade of the pool and will be hosting a fundraiser Trivia Night & Auction in October to raise funds to beautify and enhance the functionality of the grounds surrounding the pool. We would love to hear from you if you have any photos or memories of the pool at any time throughout its 75 year history to display and share at the community fundraiser event. The pool is a very special part of our school and is used by all students. We would love to hear your stories!
Paul Irving 8-Aug-2025
Surely that’s the QANTAS camp rather than calling it Haileybury
Bernadette Izod 8-Aug-2025
Haileybury didn't exist, please name this correctly. Even Kormillda College didn't exist at the time of this photo.
Posted 3-Apr-2024
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0800-760
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/629221
Robert Monteith Collection
Description:
Robert Monteith standing left at the back with group of people.
Robert Monteith and that girl again. One day we will find out who she is.
Posted 7-Apr-2024
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0800-761
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/413726 Hardy Collection. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Description:
A fishing we will go - none caught . Depicts a group of men standing by a car at Middle Arm Darwin Harbour. Circa 1958
Notes:
The photographer appears in several slides as Me and may have been named Wesley (see PH1022/0064). Other names in this collection include Charles/Charlie Young and Ken Harvey. The group appears to have lived and worked in Darwin for a period of time, having residences in Knuckey and Westralia Streets. They may have been involved in the engineering sector or there may be a connection with the Dept of Housing. (BH 7/04/2017)
Posted 11-Apr-2024
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0800-762
Vesteys Cliffs, 8 August 1917. Shield Collection, Library & Archives NT, PH0767/0019.
Don:
Vestey's Meatworks, officially known as the North Australia Meat Company, was a slaughterhouse located in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. It was constructed by Vestey Brothers between 1914 and 1917. Despite its establishment, the meatworks never turned a profit and operated for just three years before the company abandoned the endeavor following the Darwin rebellion. In 1957, most of the facility was demolished. However, two substantial water tanks from that era still stand today, situated on the grounds of Darwin High School at Bullocky Point in The Gardens suburb. The beach to the north of Bullocky Point is now known as Vestey's Beach, a testament to the meatworks' historical presence.
Posted 22-Apr-2024
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0800-763
Image Source: Lisa Bennett. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Bagot Road and Nemerluk drive Ludmilla Darwin Circa mid 1960s.
Posted 28-Oct-2023
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0800-764
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/720958
Collection: James Barclay Watts Collection
Description:
Seated L to R: Vera Haren (nee Watts ), Alice Mona Watts (nee Finniss) nursing her first grandson John Watts, Mona Watts ("Bubby") Standing L to R: Kitty Watts (nee Dunn), Donald John Fairfax Watts, Norman Lynn Baker, Muriel Baker (nee Watts)
Notes:
Alice Mona Watts is my grandmother and is the niece of Boyle Travers Finniss, a family with close ties to the settlement of Darwin. Alice married Douglas Crombie Watts who was Mayor of Darwin for five terms between 1917 and 1930. Norm and Muriel Baker are my parents. Muriel was born in Darwin in 1917 and passed away this year (2014), aged 97. I took her ashes back to Darwin and had them interred into her mother's grave site in Gardens Road cemetery, Grave 1112. Information provided by Michael Baker, 6 August 2014
Margaret Arbon - this photo is my family (mother on right)
Pam Ayres - Margaret Arbon Lots of relatives named there including mum. I’ve got the photo so would be nice to have a colour version
Margaret Arbon - Pam Ayres I’m pretty sure I’ve got the same photo too but don’t ask me where
Pam Ayres - Margaret Arbon - Linda Haskins I actually haven't taken much notice until now on how mum & Aunty Jean could pass for twins
Margaret Arbon - Yes I am related to Vera and Muriel Watts (aunts) Bubby Watts (mother) and all the Finniss family (cousins)
Joan Orr - Margaret Arbon do you think us sisters resemble our mum and aunties
Joan Orr - Yes i am related to the watts and finniss families. Bubby watts is my mother
Michael Baker - Muriel Watts is my mother
Posted 30-Oct-2023
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0800-765
Image Source and Description: Graham Poeling-Oer. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Posted 1-Nov-2023
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0800-766
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/609839
Photographer: Morris, F. R.
Don:
Many beautiful Darwin sunrises and sunsets are shared in Facebook groups today. Encouraged by these posts, I endeavoured to colourise a 1930s version, envisioning what it might have looked like in its era.
Posted 5-Nov-2023
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0800-767
Image Source and description: Josephine Saunders
Josephine Saunders:
Parents Geoff and Gwen Swan's house in Duke St Darwin. 21st birthday was 15 October so the party would have been the Saturday 17th, 1964. Jill is closest to the PowerPoint. I have a metronome and cupboard beside me. (I was Jo or Josie )
Celebrating our 80th birthday. Arrived Darwin 1959. Jill Kuhn (Swan) and Josephine Saunders (Josie Swan) What a fun place to celebrate.
Posted 10-Nov-2023
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0800-768
Image Source and description: Josephine Saunders
Back row:
Rosemary Waters, Lorraine Anderson, Jill Millward, Kim Saunders (Kim Gleeson)
Front:
Shelley Beard, Josie Swan (Josephine Saunders) Captain holding shield, Judy Swan (Judy Beard), Libby Brown (Libby Greensmith) Rosemary Bromwich
We were Undefeated Premiers that year and once we were Premiers three years in a row, but not sure when. (Jill Swan (Jill Kuhn) absent)
The photo was taken at The Penthouse. Once called Capricorn. Ben Tumminello bought/leased it in late 60’s early 70’s and ran a restaurant with some accommodations. It was near Man olas house on East Point road. It probably changed hands a few times since then. Actually I just looked up Capricorn and there seems to be a motel still there with access in Kellaway Street. So looks like it went back to earlier name.
Posted 15-Nov-2023
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0800-769
Image Source: Article published 11 Dec 1919 » Sydney Morning Herald
12 November 1919, Captain Ross Smith and his Australian crew set out in a Vickers Vimy from Hounslow Heath Aerodrome, England on a flight to Australia.... 27 days later they arrived in Darwin, thus completing the 1st England to Australia flight pioneering feat of aviation.
Photo - The pilots and crew of the Vickers Vimy Plane which made the first flight from England to Australia..... L-R Keith Smith/Captain Ross Smith/ & Sergeants J. Bennett & W, Shiers
DARWIN, Wednesday.
Flying high and strong the Vickers-Vimy aeroplane, manned by Captain Ross Smith and his companions, crossed the coast of Australia at 3.20 o'clock this afternoon. Less than half an hour later it had landed on Australian soil at the Fannie Bay aerodrome, and the flight from London to Australia, the longest in the history of the world, was over.
The aviators have still to cross a continent, but that is a minor matter after crossing parts of three continents and of two oceans. The actual flying time from London to Darwin was 124 hours, and the average speed about 85 miles an hour.
Darwin, which justified its title as the front door of Australia on this occasion, was on the tiptoe of expectation all the day. The first actual news that the aviators had begun the last stage of their journey was given by a wireless message from Koepang in Timor, stating that the aviators had spent the night in Timor and were then leaving for Darwin at 1 o'clock.
The Sydney sighted the machine 180 miles from Darwin and flying strong. As soon as the news went round crowds went out to the landing ground, where everything was in readiness. The first to sight the aeroplane was an employee at Vesty's, who modestly refused to give his name. The pilot took for his landmark the lighthouse, at Point Charles, 16 miles from Darwin, and those on board sighted itself when 40 miles away and flying at 6800 feet, and the gigantic aeroplane came straight for the aerodrome, gradually coming down to about 2000 feet. The white guiding mark in the centre was picked out nearly 20 miles away. The landing was perfect. The machine, flew straight over the ground with one of the pilots moving his hand to the crowd below and then circled round and swooped down like a settling bird.
A short-run, and the long journey was finished, and the Commonwealth prize of £10,000 won.
Before Captain Ross Smith, neat, clean-shaved, and with his uniform spick and span, was allowed to leave the machine and shake hands with Lieut. Fysh, who welcomed him to Australia on behalf of the Defence Department, he had to be examined by the Quarantine officer, Dr. Harris. Captain Ross Smith and his three companions - his brother, Lieut. Keith Smith, and the two mechanics, Sergeants Bennett and Shiers - passed with honours. After a brief welcome by the Mayor, and the Administrator, they were all carried shoulder high to the residence of the governor of the gaol, Captain Dempsey.
THE VOYAGE TO AUSTRALIA.
The machine, which is a 360-horse-power Vickers-Vimy of the type used in the flight across the Atlantic, left London on November 12. It flew by way of Italy, Egypt, India, and Burma to Bangkok in Siam, then to Singapore. From Singapore the route ran through Java to Uching, at Sourabaya, and to Anatopo in Timor, the last stopping place, 500 miles from Darwin. The aeroplane left Timor shortly after half-past 8 this morning, covering the flight in about seven hours.
Don:
I had trouble pinning down the date and location of this photo. It may be Hounslow Heath Aerodrome which was a grass airfield also, operational 1914-1920 in London.
10-Dec-2023
Emily Constantine :
Love this flight, crew & the whole adventure but I have a question for the brains trust. I believe this image is true left to right, Bennett, Smith,R, Hurley,F & Shiers. They all hold their cameras and looking at Hurley’s it is understandably larger. I do not believe Keith is in this image therefore it is not the crew of the Vimy. Thoughts? Looking at his nose & smile I see parallels to the following: https://tinyl.io/9uD3
Don:
You could easily have a valid point Emily. See the image below, however, I think you have the order of the names a bit out. Are you saying that the two people in the image below are the same person?
Emily Constantine :
That is my thought, but now I look again it may be Keith Smith not Ross to Hurley's left, therefore the image is not the crew as flown in the England to Australia Air Race.
Don:
I thought Frank's travels may have pinpointed where this photo was taken in 1919. More likely Darwin than London because of the occasion, but no solid proof. I'll add my double image and our chat to the website for people to explore it and ponder it further.
Posted 10-Dec-2023
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0800-770
Image Source and Description: Josephine Saunders
Don:
The original photo is marred by excessive noise and reflected light. Opting for a facial zoom shot, I focused on preserving the facial details. Josie's dress colours, as described, remain unaltered for archival purposes.
Four women: Left to right
Sisters Josie Swan (Josephine Saunders) with purple empire line dress and lots of hair Judy Swan (Judy Beard) (dress pale Aqua) next Jill Swan (Jill Kuhn) in short dress, (dress white) Mother on end with necklace and band in hair. Gwen Swan dress was probably reddish brown. The question often was whether to wear short or long dresses. And we all went to hairdressers beforehand.
Posted 22-Nov-2023
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0800-771
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/842078
Collection: Ellis, Betty. Photo provided by B. Ellis (daughter) for the Roll of Honour
Ably assisted by my friend Mick Gulovsen with this colourisation.
Don:
It never fails to astonish me, the intricate web of connections I've uncovered linking Rainbow and Darwin. Is it solely due to my research efforts, or could similar connections exist in numerous towns across Australia?
Primarily stemming from WWII and the servicemen stationed or passing through Darwin, these ties have woven intricate stories. Cheryl and I both have uncles with the Rainbow-to-Darwin War story connection, that I have covered in other stories and images.
This poignant tale revolves around a Rainbow man who sacrificed his life on the very first day of Australia's involvement in the war. I had the privilege of working alongside his youngest son, Denis (Red), in Rainbow for many years, never aware of the solemn history surrounding his father's loss during Darwin's inaugural air raid, until many years later.
Leonard Arthur Barton, Leading Aircraftman 18368, was born on the 13th of November 1910 in Rainbow, Victoria.
Leonard’s father was Arthur John Barton and his Mother Sophia May. Leonard was the eldest of seven children.
Leonard married his wife Marjorie Stewart and they together had 3 children Betty, Robert, and Denis.
He worked as a motor mechanic and fitter for 10 years and even managed to own his own business for 6 years in Taverner street, Rainbow.
Leonard then enlisted in Melbourne on the 30th of August 1940.
First serving at the no.1 Aircraftman depot in Laverton he then was later transferred to the RAAF Headquarters in Darwin on the 16th of March 1941.
He was serving as a fitter in the Driver Motor Transport when the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Darwin was Air raided and bombed on the 19th of February 1942.
The only aerial defence for the Darwin base during the bombing was provided by a squadron of Kitty Hawks the 33rd Pursuit Squadron USAAF which all 4 pilots were killed.
Sadly all 7 Aircraftsman were killed in action on the RAAF Base station in Darwin including, Leading Aircraftman 18368 Leonard Arthur Barton, at the age of 31 years.
Joyce Davis 21-Nov-2023
RIP Len it was men like you who made it possible for me to return to my home in Darwin in 1946, I am so privileged to see what you looked like for the first time and not just a name on the killed list. Condolences to your family I know what it is like to loose a husband and father, and I know your family is so proud of such a wonderful man
Don 21-Nov-2023
Dear Joyce,
In the early days of World War II, Len courageously gave his life, becoming one of the unsung heroes who laid the foundation for the freedom and joy of countless individuals, including your return to Darwin in 1946. His selflessness allowed people like you to cherish the comforts of home. Your recognition of his service and the deep empathy you share as someone who understands the loss of a loved one makes his memory even more poignant. Len's sacrifice at the very beginning of WWII in Australia, is eternally valued, and your acknowledgment adds a personal touch to the gratitude many feel. You are living proof of the impact his sacrifice had on lives, shaping the fabric of our shared history.
Posted 19-Nov-2023
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0800-772
Image source and description: Tony Stokes:
Ably assisted by my friend Mick Gulovsen with this colourisation.
Tony Stokes: 21-Nov-2023
Facebook page was taken in Darwin before she left there in 1940. She was about 16 then. She subsequently joined the WAAAF in Sydney when she turned 18. With her approval, the Library & Archives of the NT recently uploaded interviews that I conducted with her & hubby, Norm, in 2022. They are available here: https://tinyl.io/9nBN Interview 3 is mainly about her pre-WW2 life in Darwin. Joy has also donated many of her pre and post WW2 photos to the LANT.
Interview 3: https://tinyl.io/9nCp
This interview covers Joy Wheatley's (nee Bowman) life as teenager in pre World War 2 Darwin, and life during and post WW2 in Darwin. It includes details of social life, including socialising with servicemen during the war years, and meeting and courting her husband of 73 years Norman Wheatley.
Don:
I enlisted my friend Mick to assist with this task. The contrast on each side of the photo was quite distinct, and our goal was to highlight Joy's face as the focal point. The image went back and forth between us several times, and although we're not entirely satisfied, we ultimately settled on this version.
Posted 23-Nov-2023
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0800-773
Image Source: Ian Lomas
Description: Jeffrey Fong
Here is a photo Ian Lomas posted in Old Darwin showing that big drain running down Knuckey Street passing the front of our Darwin Aerated Waters factory that I mentioned. Must have been late 50's going by that Holden. That apex roof behind the factory was Izod Motors, the shed/buildings to the left was Ted D'Ambrosio's, other side of Ted's was Sun Cheong Loong's as in old photo. Jolley's was further down Knuckey on the right side.
Posted 25-Nov-2023
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0800-774
Image Source and description: Marcia Davis.
I’ve got a photo of a car down that big drain and the side of Izod’s motors. My brother Leo’s car. Taken 1957
Don: Now that's a drain. You gunna need a bigger crane! I'll bet that's dad's crane.
Marcia: Dads crane, Leo’s car. He forgot to put the handbrake on.
Posted 4-Jan-2024
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0800-775
Image Source, reference, and description: https://museum.wa.gov.au/mac-aviation-archaeology/fallenangels/a241.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ADFSerials/permalink/6231760820258719/?mibextid=dD9HTC
https://museum.wa.gov.au/research/research-areas/maritime-archaeology/treasures-from-the-deep/broken-wings
https://www.ozatwar.com/airfields/eastarmfbb.htm Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
An RAAF Ramp, Slipway, and Jetty. A lot of activity at East Arm during WWII.
https://cosmosarch.com/projects/east-arm-raaf/
Following the end of WW2, on 15 August 1945, a group of nine Catalinas were drawn from 3OTU to fly medical supplies and RAAF personnel to Singapore and to return with Australian prisoners of war. It was while operating in this role that Catalina A24-1 crashed on take-off and was abandoned on a mud bank in Darwin Harbour’s East Arm. Loss of Catalina A24-1. First RAAF Catalina.
WW2 Catalina flying boat wrecked by Cyclone Tracy
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/488633
Ira and Faith Renton Collection: 25/12/1974
The WW2 Catalina flying boat wrecked in a storm at East Arm. Photo taken shortly after Cyclone Tracy.
The series of colour photos with the Catalina basically still intact, would all have been taken prior to Cyclone Tracy.
Exciting News!
The Catalina company appears to be in the process of developing a Catalina-2 featuring state-of-the-art turbo-prop engines, advanced construction materials, and modern avionics. While the original Catalina was first produced in 1935, the new version is anticipated to be released around 2029, marking a significant leap in technology. This development brings to mind the humorous analogy of the B52 bomber and my grandfather's hammer - a classic case of upgrading components over time. Only time will tell how this modernised Catalina will soar to new heights!
For more details, you can visit their official website: [Catalina Aircraft Trust](https://catalinaaircrafttrust.com/news).
Posted 3-Dec-2023
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0800-776
Creator: Foelsche, P. (Paul), 1831-1914 PIC P827/128 LOC LOC Drawer B7
THE TRANSFER OF THE TERRITORY. Palmerston to Darwin.
March 18, 1911, Palmerston was officially renamed Darwin by the Governor General, the Earl of Dudley.
The practical culmination of the long negotiations that have dragged through weary years for the transfer of the Northern Territory from the guardianship of South Australia to that of the Australian Commonwealth, and to His Honor Mr. Justice Mitchell, Govt. Resident and Judge of the Northern Territory, fell the duty of reading the proclamation formally setting forth the fact that the Territory is no longer an appendage of a single State, but is now the adopted child of the six States constituting the Australian Commonwealth, each of which may be expected to take a natural paternal interest in the development of this backward portion of Australia until that time arrives when it shall have attained a strength and stature entitling it to take its place on an equal footing among the family of States. The ceremony marked a great epoch in the history of this settlement, signalising a new departure which is full of hopeful promise, and on the whole the proceedings were carried out in a manner befitting the momentous historical importance of the occasion. The time fixed for the ceremony was 4.30 p.m., and the place the flagstaff standing in the centre of the Residency ground.
Posted 2-Jan-2024
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0800-777
Image Source: N/A
Michael Kinang:
This picture was taken 9 months after my birth in Broome, we moved to Darwin in 1952. This photo was as it was when we lived there, the little group of houses in the bottom left-hand corner adjacent to the two fuel tanks were the railway homes. BTW Albert Albany built those two fuel tanks, I think he was married to Ian Shergold's sister.
Posted 20-Dec-2023
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0800-778
Image Source: Some photos taken after Tracy and during our evacuation to Sydney. Photos taken by Ramon Williams.
Gwenyth Thomsen
This is my brother Graham Pattemore and myself, formerly Gwenyth Pattemore. It was on a Hercules. We evacuated on the 31st to Sydney. We were excited about the PK chewing gum that we were given to prevent our ears from popping:) At this young age I don't think we really understood the enormity of it all which was probably a good thing.
Posted 28-Apr-2024
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0800-779
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/721855
Lorna Laffer Collection Photographer: Levitt
Description:
Wrecked Post Office, Darwin. Interior of office.
Detailed map supplied by Andrew King 17-Feb-2025
Posted 15-Feb-2024
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0800-780
Image Source and Description: April Tomlin. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Don:
I recently stumbled upon a photo that was a mere 358 pixels wide. I had a hunch that it might carry some significance for our more seasoned Darwinites, so I decided to put my editing skills to the test. Unfortunately, the image lacks the necessary level of detail to produce a truly satisfying result. Before I relegate it to my "Not Good Enough" bin, I wanted to share it with our members and gather their insights. To my surprise, the response was overwhelming. So, without further ado, here it is:
Comments:
Don:
I recently stumbled upon a photo that was a mere 358 pixels wide. I had a hunch that it might carry some significance for our more seasoned Darwinites, so I decided to put my editing skills to the test. Unfortunately, the image lacks the necessary level of detail to produce a truly satisfying result. Before I relegate it to my "Not Good Enough" bin, I wanted to share it with our members and gather their insights. To my surprise, the response was overwhelming. So, without further ado, here it is:
Comments:
Julie Pudney
Yes, the two tram carriages were parked down near the wharf. One sold fish and chips. I can’t remember what the other one sold. We would go there on a Sunday to have fish and chips ??
Bob Hooper
I remember going there, friendly people and bloody good fish and chips
Serena Staines
Used to take our 3 kids down there to run around and have the best fish and chips! Miss the safe space for kids to just run!!!
Marianne McAdie
The second one sold ice-creams
James Lugg
The tram was in at least two locations, initially on the wharf itself then later where it was in this pic which is near where the wave pool is now. Pretty sure it was in the pictured location until the early-mid 2000s
Serena Staines
Don and Cheryl And-Don McKenzie please keep publishing all these pics! It doesn’t matter if they are of poor quality - it’s still great to see them!!
Posted 12-Jan-2024
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0800-781
Date Aug 1948 Reference WA-15294-F Description Photograph taken by Whites Aviation.
Aboriginal man standing next to Qantas Circa 1948
Posted 6-May-2024
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Before.
0800-782
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/720006
Lorna Laffer Collection ;
Description:
Darwin. Crowd on footpath outside a hotel.
Don:
I don't know if this was before or after the first Japanese bombing, but it is a mix of service personnel and the local population.
Posted 11-May-2024
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0800-783
Creator Campbell, J. P. (James Pinkerton), 1865-1935
Call Number PIC/7459/39 LOC Album 1017
Also available online http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-146751561
Caption: "The Residency and house party"--Handwritten in ink left of image.
Posted 15-May-2024
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0800-784
Image Source and Description: Andrew King. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Postcard of Smith Street before it became a mall. Photo taken in the 1960s. Victoria Hotel can be seen on the far side of the road in the distance.
Don:
Left hand side is the Dental Clinic and Anthony's store.
Posted 18-May-2024
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0800-785
Image Source and Description: John Rayner. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Taken in ~1967 from somewhere near the Sailing Club
David McLean
I don’t think 1967, Range Rover on beach so maybe 1976?
Posted 22-May-2024
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0800-786
Image Source and Description: Bruce Donaldson
Darwin Primary School - 1957. I am fifth from the left back row. Some that I remember are Daryl Chan (on the left back row) , Don Lampe ( 9th from the left back row) and Julie Penhall (second from the right second front row). My one and only year at Darwin Primary as I then went into Upper One at the brand new Parap Primary School in 1958.
Don, it was a long time ago but I believe it was in Woods street. I only went to Darwin Primary for the one year, 1957, as I then went to the newly opened Parap Primary in 1958. I remember playing on the train that was in the Woods Street School.
Posted 24-May-2024
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0800-787
Image Source and Description: Kerry Mark
My nanas car, Darwin Circa 1940. Driver Joyce Buscall, and an unknown friend.
Don. A very hard original photo to work with. Love the the Ford Mercury.
Posted 31-May-2024
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0800-788
Image Source and description: Michael Roach. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
My Studebaker on Casuarina beach 1970, those days only go there for a weekend away camping.
Posted 2-Jun-2024
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0800-789
Image Source: N/A
Conducting research in the Totem Road and Dick Ward Drive area, I delved into the history of the naming and the dates when Dick Ward Drive replaced Coconut Grove (street name) in the suburb of Coconut Grove, along with a section of Playford Street at Fannie Bay.
It is evident that Coconut Grove (Street name) made a left-hand turn into Totem Road, as shown in the photo. Officially registered on 16-June-1980.
Greg Coonan: 6-Jun-2024
I think we established earlier that the official name was Coconut Grove ROAD and that the street sign is incorrect.
Posted 6-Jun-2024
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0800-790
Image Source and Description: John Rayner
Another one from my Darwin mystery box. It is simply labelled CofE Darwin and it is a picture of the old "Cathedral" where my youngest brother was christened. I have no date but it was certainly taken before Tracy as the building was largely destroyed by the cyclone with only the portico and front wall spared. These were incorporated into the new Church of Christ on Smith Street that replaced it. You can make these structures out if you look hard.
Phil Maynard: The tamarind tree on the left was a big tree in the mid 50,s. The stone fence entrance was I believe built by soldiers in 1940's?
Joyce Davis 11-Jun-2024
The fence fronting the footpath was built by members of the Navy who were stationed in Darwin during the second world war. My grandfather William Drysdale built the original Church of England (as it was then called) in 1902. The porch was built by the same Navy men who built the fence during the war. Only the wall that the porch is attached to remained standing after cyclone Tracey. My sister Jean married Bob Shewring in that church in 1936 and I and my husband Edgar Davis were married in it in 1956. by Father Guinn Jones.
Posted 10-Jun-2024
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0800-791
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/842015 Don Purdon Collection ;
Description:
Cenotaph, Police Station and courthouse, corner Esplanade and Mitchell Streets. Darwin Circa 1939
Mark McAdie 14-Jun-2024
Building on the left is Police Barracks (badly damaged in first raid Feb 1942) the building on the right is Administrator's and Government Offices. Police Station and Courthouse were in two other buildings, round the corner in the Esplanade (they are now the Administrator's Offices having been rebuilt after Cyclone Tracy nearly demolished them.
Posted 13-Jun-2024
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0800-792
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/817853 Fay Cheater Collection. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Description:
Fannie Bay Bakery (later Darwin Bakery), corner Cattherthun Street and Winnellie Road, Winnellie. Shortly after it moved from Fannie Bay Shopping Centre.
Posted 16-Jun-2024
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0800-793
Photographer: Fujita Salvage Company
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/641610
Senichiro Fujita Collection Date: 1961 Darwin Harbour
Description:
Visitors have a meal. Japanese salvaging operation, 1959-1960, undertaken by the Fujita Salvaging Company. Darwin Harbour. Fujita Salvaging Company. Darwin Harbour. 1961
When the Japanese bombed Darwin in 1942, no one expected they would be back to clean up 17 years later. In what became an extraordinary act of post-war reconciliation, a Japanese firm, the Fujita Salvage Company, arrived in Darwin in 1959 to remove the many large shipwrecks still in the harbour.
After multiple failed tendering processes, the salvage contract was finally awarded to a Japanese firm, the Fujita Salvage Company. President Ryugo Fujita and 120 workers aged between 16 and 65 arrived in Darwin Harbour on 21 July 1959. They would spend two years salvaging the sunken wrecks and processing the scrap metal to be taken back to Japan.
Posted 23-Jun-2024
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0800-794
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/317806 Grant Tambling Collection. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Description:
The original golf club house, surrounded by palms, Poinciana and trees, East Point Road, Fannie Bay, Darwin Circa 1960.
Andrew King B&W Image 28-Jun-2024
Darwin Golf Club from the air in 1969. It did not fair well in Cyclone Tracy. About where the East Point Reserve playground is now.
Posted 27-Jun-2024
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0800-795
Image Source: Northern Territory Government Photographer, 'Smith Street, Darwin', c. 1978, LANT, NTRS 3822, P1, Folder 72.
Smith and Knuckey Street Darwin Circa 1974
The Bus was blue, however, this could take quite a bit of time to correct. Please read: https://www.wizard-of-oz.com/faqs/
regarding AI-interpreted colours.
Posted 3-Jul-2024
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0800-796
Image Source: N/A
On 8 September 1890 the Victoria Hotel was completed for the northern Australia gold rushes of the 1870s. It was built for a reported cost of £4,000 pounds.
On the 11th September 1896 a notice appeared in the Northern Territory Time and Gazzette informing the public of the name change from the North Australian Hotel to the Victoria Hotel.
NOTICE "HOTEL VICTORIA." THE attention of patrons and the public generally is called to the fact that the North Australian Hotel, Smith-street, Palmerston, will in future be known under the style and title of "Hotel Victoria." G. H. JAMES, Manager.
Joyce Davis 7-July-2024 Don more to the story of the Vic Hotel.
May Brown (the Wolfram Queen) was the sister of and sister-in-law of the owners of the Terminus Hotel. She came to Darwin I think about 1890. May married George Seale an ex boxing champion and they had a son George in 1902. Her husband George died in 1902 of pneumonia. Shortly after May married George Burns a wealthy mine owner. About 10 years after this George died of Alcoholism and May inherited. About 7 months later May married Charles Albert Brown. In 1916 their mine was the richest wolfram mine in Australia. Bert died of malaria in QLD in 1926. After this later May moved to Sydney and died there in 1939.
May Brown first bought the hotel and then Ellen Ryan bought it. Ellen and her sister (can't remember her name) ran it together. By this time May Brown was living in a house a bit diagonally from the hotel oww2n the corner of Bennett and Smith Street. At this time Jacqueline Seale a daughter of May's child and George Seale who owned the Parap Hotel was attending primary school. After school Jackie used to walk from the school and stay with Grandma Seale until she was called for by one of her parents. Jackie told me that sometimes when she ,to Mays house the aboriginal boy would say," More better you go to Aunty Ryan as May No good." This meant May was out due to alcohol. Jackie's mother (can't remember her name) died and her father sent her to live with her aunt. Her father joined the AIF After the war George returned to Darwin with our family in Jan 1946, Jackie became a hospital matron and when she later lived in Darwin met and married Vern O'Brien who was Director of the Lands Dept. upon his retirement. Both George and Jackie are now deceased. That's all I can remember at this stage.
May Brown attended the Melbourne Cup for 28 years. Also when she visited Sydney she stayed at the priciest hotel and hired the full first floor for her friends and held extravagant parties.
Cheers Joy
Posted 30-Jun-2024
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0800-797
Image Source and description: Melissa Purich. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
Remember catamarans were hired out at Fannie Bay in the 1970s. Me in the white bikini, sisters Kezia, Plaxy and Thisbe and brothers Peregrine and Gervase and sister in law Janice
Posted 8-Jul-2024
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0800-798
Image Source and Description: Dave KryKey. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.
A Swim in the Tank - 1960
https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/see-and-do/vesteys-tank-darwin-high-school
The Tank was originally constructed as a water storage facility for the Vesteys Meat works.
The Tank has since been converted into an undercover gymnasium and open air auditorium and assembly area at Darwin High School. The site is in good overall condition and appears well maintained. The site is within the grounds of Darwin High School and not generally open to the public although it is possible to walk around the site most days.
Don:
I recently stumbled upon a photo that was a mere 384 pixels wide. I had a hunch that it might carry some significance for our more seasoned Darwinites, so I decided to put my editing skills to the test. Unfortunately, the image lacks the necessary level of detail to produce a truly satisfying result. Before I relegate it to my "Not Good Enough" bin, I wanted to share it with our members and gather their insights. To my surprise, the response was overwhelming. So, without further ado, here it is:
Posted 11-Jul-2024
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0800-799
Image Source and Initial Description: Phil Maynard
My Dad's photos. Deb Ball in Darwin.
Left to Right: 11 young ladies across, plus the two young ones in front.
Ivy Pearse, Stella Wilson, Sandra lew Fatt, ?, Sandra, Joyce Chin, Peggy Shewring, Dawn Coleman, ?, Barbara Shean, Betty Shewring.
Posted 17-Jul-2024
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0800-800
Please share this story with your family and friends so that they can read about the Darwin stories, its history, and what it has to offer tourists.
Thank you very much, Don...