The NT Government today launched the $1.9 million Territory Tribute project encouraging Australians to commemorate Anzac Day in Darwin.
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Chief Minister Michael Gunner is hoping the series of events will position the Top End as Australia’s military tourism hot spot while also creating jobs in the Tourism industry.
“The true extent of the attacks on Darwin and the Top End during WWII is not widely known by many Australians, who, to this day, are unaware of how instrumental Darwin was in the defence of Northern Australia,” Mr Gunner said at the launch today.
“It’s a story that deserves to be acknowledged and remembered,” he said.
“Creating jobs is my number one priority and tourism already employs thousands of Territorians. Military tourism is a huge part of our tourism industry.
“The Territory’s military history is unique, and we need to take advantage of that history. This $1.9million investment will create events that Territorians can be proud of and the rest of Australia will want to be a part of.
“We are making sure the rest of Australia knows about the secrets that the Territory has to share. I want people from all over the world to come and enjoy Territory Tribute.”
Territory Tribute, an annual program of events saluting Darwin and the Top End’s unique and forgotten military history was launched at the Darwin Military Museum by the Chief Minister today.
The move comes as more Australians and international tourists cancel plans to commemorate Anzac Day in Gallipoli due to travel warnings to Turkey.
The Territory has experienced some of the most significant moments in Australia’s history, including the Bombing of Darwin on February 19, 1942.
More reading: 75 years on, Darwin bombing remembered
And while Darwin was the most heavily affected, other communities in the Top End were also bombed, including Katherine, Coomalie, Adelaide River and Millingimbi.
Territory Tribute will include a series of existing and new events held between the Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin and Anzac Day, with the first program starting next year.
The program will include a three-day curated International Military Writers' Festival, the World's Greatest Two-up School and Last Post Ceremonies, as well as an Anzac Day Dawn Service and parade.
Created by Australian event organisation, Inspire Strategic Solutions, director, Craig Sheridan said that Darwin has a forgotten story to tell the world when it comes to the pivotal role it played during World War II in Australia’s defensive and offensive activities.
“The bombing of Darwin on February 19, 1942 was the largest ever single attack on Australian soil by a foreign power, with Darwin being the most bombed Australian city in WWII,” Mr Sheridan said.
“There is something for everyone in the Territory Tribute program.
“This commemoration will be inclusive, respectful and a truthful reflection of our military history, while honouring those involved.”
The new incentive to draw visitors to the top end is part of the NT Government’s Turbocharging Tourism initiative.
The Northern Territory Government has allocated more than $1.9m to Territory Tribute as part of the $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package to attract more visitors, create jobs and put more money into the pockets of Territorians.
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