The Commemoration

In 2001, the Centenary of Federation, this ceremony was the focus for the Northern Territory's National Centrepiece Event – Federation Frontline. At the Cenotaph on the cliff top overlooking Darwin Harbour, Lord Mayor George Brown and the Territory's Chief Minister, The Hon. Denis Burke welcomed the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, premiers, civilian survivors and Darwin Defenders.

Nationwide, services were held from Bendigo to Brisbane, from Hobart to Horsham, from Sydney to Perth and beyond. Over the years they have been holding annual commemorations to remember the mates they lost and those they served with in the Territory. And let us not forget some 250,000 served there between 1942 and 1945.

It is fitting that young Australians have the opportunity to learn about the bravery of those who lived here then, and those who defended our shores during the nation's darkest hour. We hope that each year as the sirens sound over Darwin at 9.58am (CST) on 19 February Australians, wherever they are, will join us in a minute of silence.

Federation Frontline: the commemoration of the Bombing of Darwin was held on 19 February, 2001. This page will be updated with photos and relevant editorial from the event by 30 April 2001. If you require information regarding the Commemoration before this date please contact the Centenary of Federation NT at federation@nt.gov.au or on (08) 8924-4204.