On the 19th of February 1942, global war arrived on Australian shores with devastating suddenness.
By the time the people of Darwin heard the sirens, the first of nearly 700 bombs that would be dropped that day were already falling.
The scale of the destruction that day was unlike anything our nation had ever known, over 230 people were killed and hundreds more were injured.
Yet amidst the chaos, there was extraordinary courage.
That evening, Prime Minister John Curtin told the nation that because of the bravery of defence force personnel and civilians alike: “Darwin has been bombed but it has not been conquered”.
All told, Darwin held true through 64 air raids, over nearly two years. An inspiration to the country and a symbol of Australia’s unbreakable resolve.
In our nation’s fight against the forces of tyranny, northern Australia was the frontline.
We remember their sacrifice and honour their bravery today, and always. Lest we forget.