memorials

NORTHERN TERRITORY GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE

	The Northern Territory Garden of Remembrance shortly after its official opening

Construction of the Northern Territory Garden of Remembrance (GRM) was completed in December 2001. The GRM is located within the Thorak Regional Cemetery on the outskirts of Darwin. Darwin architects, Clouston Associates were responsible for the design of the GRM with Darwin companies Sunbuild and Tropicast carrying out its construction.

GRM’s are located in each State capital city, with another in Launceston. Prior to the construction of the Northern Territory GRM, eligible veterans from the Northern Territory were predominantly commemorated at the South Australian GRM, located at Centennial Park Cemetery, Adelaide. Over a number of years there has been a growing demand from the ex-Service community of the Northern Territory for a GRM in Darwin.

	Two images of the Garden during construction

The Northern Territory GRM has capacity for almost 2,000 bronze commemorative plaques. The GRM has a visitor shelter within which is a wall mounted display detailing the history of Darwin during World War II and in particular, the bombing of Darwin. Along with landscaped gardens, a water feature helps to create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. Other features include visitor seating and a drinking fountain.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Honourable Danna Vale MP, officially opened the Northern Territory GRM at a service in Darwin on 19 February 2002. This date was significant in being the 60th anniversary of the first bombing of Darwin. Mr Keith Knight, a veteran commemorated within the Garden, served in Sparrow Force and was captured by the Japanese in West Timor. After being imprisoned in Changi he was forced to work on the Burma/Thailand Railway. His widow, Mrs Noeline Knight attended the opening and was invited by the Minister to assist her in unveiling the official opening plaque. Mrs Knight also made a short but very moving speech about her husband’s service history.

	AVM Gary Beck, Director OAWG escorts the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Danna Vale MP to the dedication

	left: The Hon Danna Vale MP with Mrs Noelene Knight and Mr John Anictomatis right: Visitors at the dedication

Over 650 people attended the opening, the guests including His Honour Mr John Anictomatis, Administrator of the Northern Territory; a representative of the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory; representatives of the ex-Service community and senior representatives of the Australian Defence Force. Many of the widows and next-of-kin whose loved ones are commemorated within the Garden were also in attendance.

It is estimated that as many as 300 of the veterans from across Australia who were in Darwin for the events surrounding the 60th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin also attended the opening.

Despite being preceded by strong winds and heavy rain the service went ahead in fine weather. OAWG has received very positive comments about the style and construction of the new Garden of Remembrance and it is already proving to be a popular form of official commemoration in the Northern Territory.

	above: A widow visits her husband’s plaque

	above: An information panel in the entrance building

I have today visited the NT Garden of Remembrance to see Clem’s memorial.
The whole area is very impressive and the actual gardens are such a credit to you. Thank you for allowing me to use the facility.

I have today had the opportunity to visit my late husband’s official memorial and truly I was overwhelmed at the spectacle and wish to thank you very much for your every attention to all the wonderful plaques. I am sure my husband and all his mates can truly rest in peace. Please accept my grateful thanks.

I am writing to thank you for repairing my husband’s grave. I got a very pleasant surprise when I visited last Sunday. Probably the person I need to thank most is the gentleman I spoke to by phone as he knew all about it and I think arranged everything. It all looks so nicely done, clean and tidy. I do thank all who were connected with the work as I am very happy about it.