Image Source and Description: Joyce Davis. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

In the wet season we used to drive down to Coomalie Creek to have a swim and a picnic. This photo shows my husband Mick and myself with our best friends Margaret Bathurst and Steve Quong. We named our second son Stephen after him.

Posted 11-Oct-2025

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Image Source and Description: Joyce Davis. 

Joy, Rosie and Lorna Drysdale playing with dolls and tea party. Darwin Circa 1941.

Posted 12-Oct-2025

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Image Source and description:
Darwin cable station - operations room - c.1900 - [photograph taken of the interior of the operations room of the British and Australian Telegraph Company cable station at Darwin c.1900 - this photograph is an enlargement and shows some of the equipment on the operator's desks quite clearly. NAA C5487, PH/0403

Posted 17-Oct-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/313445
B. C. Mettam Collection Date 1916.

Description:
Evlampia Holtze and Dolly Marsh dressed for tennis. Darwin Circa 1916.

Posted 13-Oct-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/309657 Chan Collection

Description:
A group of Darwin residents, from left to right, at back, ?, ? and ?; at front, Pearl Fong, Selina Hassan, ?, Pop Haugh, Connie Hassan, Dorothy Chan (Kwong), Ted D'Ambrosio and Ruby Hassan.

Posted 18-Oct-2025

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Photographer: Litchfield, Jessie, 1883-1956
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/729908
Christa Roderick Collection 

Description:
Commonwealth Bank, Smith Street Darwin. Viewed from arcaded verandah of Commercial Bank diagonally opposite. Opened January 1941.

Posted 19-Oct-2025

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Photograph taken by Whites Aviation. Date Aug 1948 Reference WA-15182-F

Posted 20-Oct-2025

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Image Source and description: Joyce Davis

That's me with my cousin Peter Drysdale, he was in the navy and his ship docked for a few days in Darwin so Mum & Dad took him to the ball that night. Sadly most of the people in the photos are gone now, even the twins who were 4 years younger than me.

Posted 21-Oct-2025

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Creator Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942
Call Number PIC Row 15/6/4 #PIC/9981/68

PIC Glass Plate #PIC/9981/1-227-Florenz Bleeser collection of photographs of Palmerston [i.e. Darwin] and the Northern Territory, ca. 1890-1900 [picture]//The Residency on the Esplanade with fallen verandah after cyclone, Palmerston, former name of Darwin, 1897

Posted 22-Oct-2025

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Creator Bleeser, Florenz A. K. PIC Glass Plate #PIC/9981/1-227-Florenz Bleeser collection of photographs of Palmerston [i.e. Darwin] and the Northern Territory, ca. 1890-1900 [picture]//Horse drawn wagon with five men, Palmerston, former name of Darwin, ca. 1897.

Posted 23-Oct-2025

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Creator Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942 Call Number PIC Glass Plate #PIC/9981/1-227-Florenz Bleeser collection of photographs of Palmerston [i.e. Darwin] and the Northern Territory, ca. 1890-1900 [picture]//Man standing behind a young boy who is holding a rifle and standing between two buffalo horns, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], ca. 1890

Posted 24-Oct-2025

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Creator Bleeser, Florenz A. K.
PIC Glass Plate #PIC/9981/1-227-Florenz Bleeser collection of photographs of Palmerston [i.e. Darwin] and the Northern Territory, ca. 1890-1900 Offices of the British and Australian Telegraph Company (BAT) on the Esplanade, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], ca. 1890

Posted 25-Oct-2025

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Creator Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942
PIC Glass Plate #PIC/9981/1-227-Florenz Bleeser collection of photographs of Palmerston [i.e. Darwin] and the Northern Territory, ca. 1890-1900 [picture]//Construction of jetty, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], ca. 1890 [1] [picture]

Construction of Jetty, Palmerston Circa 1890

Posted 26-Oct-2025

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Creator Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942
PIC Glass Plate #PIC/9981/1-227-Florenz Bleeser collection of photographs of Palmerston [i.e. Darwin] and the Northern Territory, ca. 1890-1900

Posted 27-Oct-2025

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Image Source and description: Sally-Anne Holden

1st photo is of Dad Henry Lee 1917-1995 with his parents. Willie Lee Hang Gong and his wife Lena. Dad would have been around 6, taken in Darwin.

Second photo is Dad taken in Melbourne around 1945/46 after been demobilised from New Guinea. 13 Stanley Avenue, Auburn, his Aunty Selinas' house.

Posted 28-Oct-2025

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Image Source and description: Sally-Anne Holden

1st photo is of Dad Henry Lee 1917-1995 with his parents. Willie Lee Hang Gong and his wife Lena. Dad would have been around 6, taken in Darwin.

Second photo is Dad taken in Melbourne around 1945/46 after been demobilised from New Guinea. 13 Stanley Avenue, Auburn, his Aunty Selinas' house.

Posted 29-Oct-2025

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Image source and description: Harry Harris. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Harry Harris
Hi all, this is Stuart Park Soccer Club from 1974. Are any of these guys still around or does anyone know if any can be contacted.

Costa Karaolias.
This is the best I can come up including names and possible names for the comments on the post:

Back row L-R
Pretty sure it’s Ziko Illic (as Mick Palmer suggested), know face but not name (possibly Andy Mason as believed by Ray Smith), Aldo Bosio I reckon, Bob Dixon-Short (as identified by Norm Brooks), Phil McWilliam, Sabby Driss, know face but not name (could be Taki Magoulias from Olympic)

Crouching L-R
know face well but not name (Greek guy), ??, ??, Norm Brooks (one of the nicest people you could ever meet), Mick Broadley (as identified by Mike Ford)

Posted 31-Oct-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/744555 Photo number: PH0415/0004

Description:
Bomb damage to wharf, railway track and carriages, Darwin wharf.

Posted 30-Oct-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/731438 Photo number: PH0002/0137

Description:
Port Darwin railway station-master's office shows station buildings and Railway Hill behind.

Don: 20-May-2025
I believe this is the Darwin Railway Station with the Station Master's house behind it, up on Railway Hill Road. Now, basically, Carey Street. I am searching for a date. As it describes Port Darwin, I feel it may be before 1911. Comments? Thanks Don...

Bryan Baker 21-May-2025
Don, I have dated this photo as the earliest of any I have found from the 1890s. The SM house was on the hill, according to Harvey’s diagrams in the Never Never Line.

Don: 21-May-2025
I was hoping you would get back to me with this sort of detail, Bryan, as I knew your expertise with the NAR was better than anyone I know. I'll make it as you suggest, if you don't mind. Circa possibly 1890s, with the SM house on the hill.

Posted 1-Nov-2025

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Image source and description: Joy Davis.

Drysdale Street was named after my grandfather, William Drysdale. He built the church of England (which was blown away except for the front wall, built into the Cathedral.

In 1902. In 1897, he built all the large stone work called the embankment around the wharf area to stop the dirt from falling away. Later, he built all the approaches to the railway bridges down to Larrimah.

After the 1897 cyclone, he rebuilt the damaged Commercial Bank that Paspalis now own. He also built the AWA (Australian Wireless Association) building where the 9 hole golf course is now. He also built the houses at Grove Hill and another building in Pine Creek that now escapes me.

He also went out by boat and rebuilt the ? Ellis Lighthouse. These are just some of his works in Darwin. He was a stone mason and carpenter.

He was born in 1852 in Alva Scotland and came with his mother to Melbourne when he was two years old. He died in 1930 in Melbourne when he went down to seek medical treatment.

Posted 2-Nov-2025

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Image source and description: Gerry Kenny

Back Row L-R: Gary Johnston, Andy Hill, Eddie (Kitcho) Kitching, James Kotter, Leo Hayes, Gerry Kenny, Vivian Kerinauia,** Tom Lawler**

Middle Row L-R: Gerry Del la Cruz, Robert (Robbie) Cooper, Jeff (Jacko) Angeles, John (Patto) Paterson (Captain), Jeff Bates (Coach), Norm Hagen, Tom Thorne

Front Row L-R: Des (Koochie) Raymond, Ronald (Barney) Quall,* Greg (Mighty Mouse) Bonson, David Wilson, Don (Doochie) Bonson, Ronald (Ronnie Boy) Cooper, Basil Damaso,* Kimberley (Kim) Hunter**

* Nichols Medal Winner
** Rest In Peace

Posted 1-Aug-2025

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Image source and description: Graham Poeling-Oer

A. E. Jolly & Co. store, Corner of Smith Bennett Streets Darwin Circa 1930

Posted 3-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/363716

Stokes Hill from Jetty 1916 Darwin NT

Description: Stokes Hill from Jetty 1916 Darwin NT
Darwin 1914-1916 Photo album Date Created: 1916
Images of Darwin and Bathurst Island between 1914-1916. 96 photographs

Posted 4-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/731436
Colin Gill Collection

Description:
Bank of New South Wales under reconstruction following war damage. Commonwealth Bank beyond. Circa 1952.

Posted 5-Nov-2025

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https://hdl.handle.net/10070/725484
R. A. Jeffs Collection

Description:
Jeffs family at railway Hill, Darwin. l to r - Horace "Jim" Jeffs; Mrs. Rhoda Jeffs, and children Margaret, Bob, Dick, and Jim.

Posted 6-Nov-2025

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Photographer: Campbell, James Pinkerton
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/726417

Description:
Arrival scene at Darwin. (Looking over jetty to The Residency, Esplanade, Fort Hill. Shows "Mud Hut",
The Residency Police station and Courthouse, railway trucks on wharf - PF).

Posted 7-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/330957
Peter Spillett Collection

Description:
Corner of Smith and Knuckey Streets from Murray Oakley's store (formerly Ah Toy's) showing advertisement for Victa and Singer agencies.
Across the road is Raintree Park and the RSL and in the foreground a NTA Bus Stop.

Posted 8-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/745462
Marylyn Nichols Collection.

Description:
Most likely Ruston–Hornsby engines owned and operated by Felix Holmes in Darwin around 1923. See PH0384/146

Diesel engines that generated Darwin's electricity. Circa 1923

Posted 9-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/731501
Ronald Lister Collection Date: 08/03/1915

Description:
Sailing from Darwin to Townsville on SS Alderham to enlist in the First World War.
Five of the first fifteen Territorians who volunteered for active service.

Standing L-R:
Lieutenant Albert Borella (Bert Borrelli [sic]) 275 26th Infantry Battalion VC MM
Lieutenant Robert Dingwall Buttercase (Bob Butters) 1376 41st Battery KIA 05 April 1918
Private James Park, 658 (also 53A) 13th Light Horse, 1st reinforcements

Private James Lawrence Cain (Jimmie Cain) 2060 9th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement KIA 20 April 1916
Private Frank Thomson 2057 9th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement.

Michele Adler viewed the original 13 July 2015 and on the basis of format and style, to be a possible Ryko photograph.

Posted 10-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/313787
Joseph M. Ruddick Collection

Description:
Wedding reception of Jack Bellden and Edna Knowles (born at Daly River) held in a mudbrick adobe house (clay and grass pounded and dried) ,built next to Robert Chin's shop in what is now called Stuart Park - then the house was next to Fred's Pass Road (now Stuart Highway) Port Darwin,
called Fred's Pass Road till mid 1937. The reception was held in Bill Boath's house (he was a warder at Fannie Bay Gaol).

Back Row L-R: Jack Vine, Nicholas Kamper, Doug Wright, ?, Bill Boath, ?, ?, ?, ?, Thora Anthony
Second Back Row L-R: Mrs Daisy Sarib, Mrs Parker, Trixie Knowles, Jack Bellden, Mrs Edna Bellden (nee Knowles), Mrs Somerville, ?, ?, Mrs Stevens, Bill Stevens, Jim Lord, Violet Lord (nee Allwright), ?
Second Front Row L-R: ? Parker, (Warder), (Army), ?,George Taylor (Squizzie), Mrs Maria Boath, (Army)
Front Row L-R: Con Parker, ? Parker, Boath (child), Boath (child), Joe Ruddick (MC), ?.

Darwin Fred's Pass Road (now Stuart Highway) Stuart Park.

Posted 11-Nov-2025

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https://hdl.handle.net/10070/324316
Phyllis Moyle Collection.

Description: Identified on the back of the photo

Back row:
Mrs Bridgland, Mrs Harmer, Mrs Gurry, Mrs McFeat, Mr C J Kirkland, P Kelsey, Mrs Witherden, possible Mrs Lapthorne, Mrs Bell

Front:
Mrs Tindell, Mrs Kilgour, Mrs Williams, Mrs Cleland, Mrs Tuckwell, Mrs Pott, Mrs Finniss

Seated:
Walter Bell, Rev Lapthorne, Willie Grant

Posted 12-Nov-2025

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Image Source:  N/A

The full inscription on the milk box reads "RILSTONE & SON FRESH MILK BOTANICAL DARW", suggesting the milk is from a dairy connected to a botanical area in Darwin, possibly indicating the origin or delivery area of the milk.

The image depicts a historical scene of milk delivery, and the presence of "DARW" points to a connection with Darwin, Australia, where such deliveries would have taken place historically.

Posted 13-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/732790
Peter Spillett Collection

Description:
Unionists and marchers pose on Smith Street outside Brown's Mart, with Australian Workers Union banner bearing the date 1914. Almost all marchers wear a black diamond. Building next to Brown's Mart carries billboard "Mrs Foster" which stood on the site now occupied by Harry Chan Avenue. Part of the campaign for an 8 hour day.

Posted 14-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/732056
Peter Spillett Collection

Description:
The Darwin Detachment cricket team outside their Headquarters building at Vesteys. The team played its first game in the local competition on 8 October 1932. Many of those who had played for the Detachment played later with the permanent Darwin Garrison.

Notes: Australian War Memorial Neg. No. PO2024.020 ;

Information about the photograph supplied by A. King on 10 April 2021 from "The Darwin detachment :
a military and social history / by Robert J. Rayner"

Don:
The Darwin Detachment cricket team photo outside their Headquarters building at Vesteys, circa 1932, is a fascinating piece of history. Here's what I've found:

The Team's First Game: The Darwin Detachment cricket team played its first game in the local competition on October 8, 1932. Many team members later played with the permanent Darwin Garrison.
Vesteys Connection: The team was based at Vesteys, a British multinational that built a meat-processing and freezing works in Darwin. The detachment used a timber building with corrugated iron roofing at the Vesteys meatworks site as their headquarters.

Historical Context: During the 1920s and 1930s, Darwin's cricket competition consisted of three teams. The sport was well-established in Alice Springs, with regular games played on the recreation reserve (now ANZAC Hill Oval).

The Building's Significance: The Darwin Detachment Headquarters building was later used as the headquarters of the Darwin Permanent Garrison when it was established on October 14, 1933.

Some notable figures in the photo include Corporal David Francis (Frank) Smith, RAE (Royal Australian Engineers), who is identified in the front row, far right. The photo is part of a collection of historical images documenting life in the Northern Territory and East Kimberley during that period

Posted 15-Nov-2025

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Image Source and Description: Tita Bill Allom

Nan King, Dug Allom, Albert Namitjiira, Ossie Jensen Bill Harney, Gordon Sweeny - corner of Daly and Cavenagh Street, Darwin Circa 1950.

This photo was taken next to the old Haritos shop on the corner of Daly and Cavenagh Street in about 1950.

From left:
Nan King, Dug Allom, Albert Namitjiira, Ossie Jensen Bill Harney, Gordon Sweeny

Posted 16-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/316994
Bruce Sutherland Collection

At BAT quarters. Two men ready to depart on motor cycles. The Esplanade Darwin Circa 1927
Note the long-neck beer bottle and glass on the ground.

Description:
At BAT quarters, two men are ready to depart on motorcycles

Don:
Note the long-neck beer bottle and glass on the ground.

Posted 17-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/317597
E. J. Braid Collection

Description:
'Miss Dell' built for recreation use by Braid and another Corporal and an officer, in front of 23
Reserve Motor Transport Unit's Orderly Room at Vestey's Meatworks. Bullocky Point Darwin Circa 1941
The troops made a motor launch from scrap tin and butter boxes. Site is now Darwin High School.

Shows members of the Australian Staff Corps pushing a boat outside a building bearing the sign: "A" Section H.Q. Australian Staff Corps spare time occupation. The troops have made a motor launch from scrap tin and butter boxes.

Posted 18-Nov-2025

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Photographer: Litchfield, Jessie, 1883-1956
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/725369
Christa Roderick Collection

Description:
NT Centenary 1824-1924. Parade float depicting Matthew Flinders, Philip Gidley King and
sailors. Shows horse horse-drawn float passing Brown's Mart, Smith Street, Darwin Circa 1924

Posted 19-Nov-2025

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Photographer: Litchfield, Jessie, 1883-1956
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/720349
Christa Roderick Collection

Description:
Employees, preserving section, Vestey's Meatworks.

Don:

Vestey's Meatworks in Darwin operated from 1917 to 1920, with a brief attempt to reopen as a boiling down works in 1925. Here's a breakdown of their operational timeline ¹ ²:

Initial Operation: The meatworks started operating in April 1917 and processed nearly 18,911 cattle in its first season.

Main Operational Years: The facility operated for three seasons, processing:

1918: 29,000 cattle, with 500 beasts killed and chilled, 500 carcasses frozen, and 200 canned daily.
1919: 21,866 head were processed before union disputes led to the Darwin Rebellion.

Closure: The meatworks closed on March 17, 1920, due to labor indiscipline and poor quality local cattle.
Brief Reopening: In 1925, it reopened as a boiling down works, processing 9,600 head into tallow, but ultimately claimed a loss.

After its closure, the site was used for various purposes, including as barracks for the Darwin Mobile Force and later as a site for Darwin High School.

Posted 20-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/641611
Senichiro Fujita Collection. Location: Darwin Harbour

Description:
Visitor has a Dakko-chan inflatable plastic doll attached to her arm.

Don:

Victoria Hotel Calendar top left, and Japanese Calendar top right.

Notes:
Japanese salvaging operation, 1959-1960, undertaken by the Fujita Salvaging Company.

The Fujita Salvage Company, led by Ryogo Fujita, undertook a significant operation in Darwin Harbour from 1959 to 1961, salvaging seven World War II shipwrecks. Here's the story:

Background
After the Japanese bombing of Darwin in 1942, several ships remained sunken in the harbour, hindering shipping and port development. By the late 1950s, the Australian government sought a contractor to salvage these wrecks. After numerous attempts, the Fujita Salvage Company successfully secured the tender.

The Salvage Operation
In July 1959, Fujita and his crew of 120 workers arrived in Darwin. Over the two-year operation, they salvaged the following ships:

MV British Motorist: The first ship raised from the ocean floor, which became the living quarters for Fujita's workers.

USAT Meigs: A significant salvage operation, with a propeller blade now featured on Ryogo Fujita's gravestone.

USS Peary: A US Navy destroyer that was sunk during the bombing.

MV Neptuna: A merchant vessel that exploded while docked at Darwin's main wharf.

Zealandia: An Australian vessel from which scrap metal was used to create 77 bronze crosses for a new church in Darwin.

SS Mauna Loa: A cargo ship sunk during the bombing.

HMAS Mavie: A Royal Australian Navy ship.

Legacy
The salvage operation not only cleared the harbour but also fostered relationships between the Darwin community and the Japanese crew. Fujita's generosity was evident in the creation of bronze crosses for the church, and he even spoke at the church's official opening in July 1960. The operation was considered Fujita's life work, and its legacy continues to be remembered in Darwin.

Tribute
A propeller blade from the Meigs was gifted to the Darwin Memorial Uniting Church in 2017, serving as a reminder of the operation's significance. The Fujita family album, documenting the salvage operation, is held at the Northern Territory Library.

Posted 21-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/839197
Collection: Don Clegg Collection

Description:
Cenotaph War Memorial on the Esplanade with, left to right, the Darwin Police Station and courthouse buildings damaged in the first Japanese air raid of 19 February 1942, in the background.


Posted 22-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/746554
Chrissie Paspalis Collection

Description:
Michael Paspalis driving the family car as a taxi. Michael was 15 or 16 years of age and came to Darwin from Port Hedland because driver's licenses were only issued to 18yr olds in Western Australia. Vehicle identified as 1927 Dodge.

Don:
Michael Paspalis is part of a notable Greek-Australian family with a rich history. His family, led by Theodosis Michael Paspalis, migrated from Greece to Australia in 1919 and established themselves in Port Hedland, Western Australia, before expanding to other areas.

Driving Story Context: 

Given the story about Michael driving a taxi at 15 or 16, it's plausible this was in the Northern Territory, where driving laws might have differed from Western Australia at the time, allowing him to drive at a younger age.

Vehicle:

The 1927 Dodge mentioned could have been a family car or part of their business operations, common for the era.

Michael Theodosios Paspalis' date of birth is reported differently across sources. According to some records, he was born on January 22, 1912. However, the Australian Dictionary of Biography states his birthdate as November 14, 1911, on the Greek island of Kastellorizon. Given the discrepancy, it's essential to consider multiple sources when verifying his birthdate.

Possible Dates:
January 22, 1912: As per Australian Cemeteries Index and Find a Grave records.
November 14, 1911: According to the Australian Dictionary of Biography.

Posted 23-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/828623
Irene Annie Bull Collection

First World War Memorial Mitchell Street and The Esplanade Darwin Circa 1930

Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/828623
Irene Annie Bull Collection

Posted 24-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/720095
Coral Crombie-Brown Collection

Description:
"MV Merkur" moored at Darwin wharf (Stokes Hill). Roadster and Chevrolet and other cars parked on the approach to the wharf.

Don:
I was able to positively identify the Roadster car, thanks to the wheels being the key clue. It’s a Citroën Type A from 1919-1921.

You can check out more details here:
https://www.wizard-of-oz.com/darwin-gallery-18/#0800-856

Unless there were two custom cars built at the same time in Darwin, this one belonged to Myrtle Fawcett (nee Styles) and was called the "Blue Devil".

Posted 1-Dec-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/733357
Peter Spillett Collection

Description:
Bank Manager's house Smith Street Darwin used as temporary Bank premises for the Bank of New South Wales after the bank building was damaged in the bombing raid in June 1942. The sign on the pavement signifies a bus stop.

Posted 25-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/313821
Gordon Maxwell Reid Collection

Description:
Taken from the West Lane Water Tower showing Smith and Bennett Streets Darwin, with L-R Cashmans Store, and the Bank of New South Wales, opposite the Commercial Bank under construction. Circa 1941. On the corner of Bennett Street is Commonwealth Bank under construction and Gordons Don Hotel on the corner of Cavenagh Street.

Posted 26-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/828587
Keith W. Spencer Photograph Collection

Posted 28-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/720561
Shield Collection

Ross Smith addressing a crowd on 11 Dec 1919, the day after after completing the first flight from England to Australia. Seen here addressing workers at the Vestey’s Meatworks at Bullocky Point, now the location of the Darwin High School.

Description:
Ross Smith speaking at the Works the next day after landing.

Don:
Ross Smith and his team landed their Vickers Vimy aircraft in Darwin on December 10, 1919, after completing the first flight from England to Australia. Given the challenging circumstances and the wet season having begun, Ross Smith decided not to spend time overhauling the engines. Instead, they headed south in haste to avoid getting bogged on the low-lying makeshift landing site near Fannie Bay Gaol.

It's known that Ross Smith and his team received a hero's welcome in Darwin, with approximately 2,000 people gathering to greet them.

When the Vickers Vimy landed at Fannie Bay, Darwin, on 10 December 1919, it was the finish of the £10,000 Commonwealth Government prize-winning flight.

The next day, Ross Smith addressed workers at the Vestey’s Meatworks in Darwin (often just called “the Works” locally).

Vestey’s Meatworks (also known as Vesteys Meat Packing Plant or “the Works”) was a huge freezing and meat-processing facility built by the British company Vestey Brothers at Bullocky Point.

It opened in 1917 and at the time was the largest industrial complex in the Northern Territory.

The plant was intended to process cattle from the Territory but struggled financially and closed in 1920, not long after Smith’s visit.

For Darwin residents, “the Works” was a landmark employer and social hub, so Ross Smith giving a speech there the day after his historic landing was a big civic event.

After Darwin, they continued their journey, facing mechanical issues and making stops in various locations, including Queensland, before reaching their final destination of Adelaide on March 23, 1920

Posted 27-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/735478
Peter Spillett Collection

Description:
Local residents welcoming the Vickers Vimy of Ross and Keith Smith. The fence is the line of the current Gregory Street, Parap. Darwin 10-Dec-1919

Posted: 29-Nov-2025

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/731245
Percy Brown Collection

Description:
Capt. Ross Smith on arrival in Darwin from overseas flight. He is receiving telegrams from Lieut. Fysh D.F.C. "He seems very pleased in reaching Australia. He said it was more by good luck than anything that they succeeded in getting here at all".

Captain Ross Smith and his crew landed their Vickers Vimy aircraft in Darwin on December 10, 1919, completing the first flight from England to Australia. They received a hero's welcome, with approximately 2,000 people gathering to greet them.

Regarding the landing site, there are two relevant locations to note:

Fannie Bay:

A memorial obelisk was erected in 1923 to commemorate the landing, located on East Point Road, Fannie Bay. The inscription reads, "Erected by the Commonwealth of Australia to commemorate the landing at Port Darwin of the first aerial flight from England, 10th December 1919."

23 Giles Street, Smith Park, Fannie Bay:

A plaque marks the actual landing site, stating, "The first aeroplane to fly from England to Australia landed here 10th December 1919."

Additionally, the Parap Airfield, now home to the old Qantas hangar, played a significant role in Australian aviation history. Although not the exact landing site of Ross Smith's Vickers Vimy, it was established as the Australian terminal for the 1919 England to Australia air race and operated as a combined civilian and military airfield.

Posted: 30-Nov-2025

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