A series of intimate and moving ceremonies honouring Territorians who lost their lives during or as a result of active service have been announced as part of Territory Tribute.

Seventeen Last Post Ceremonies will be held at the Darwin Cenotaph. They will run weekly on Tuesdays at 5.30pm from 19 February to 9 April 2019 and then daily at 5.30pm from 16 April to 24 April 2019.

Modelled on the Last Post Ceremonies at the Australian War Memorial, each ceremony will feature the story of a member of the Australian Defence Force who has a relationship with the Northern Territory and who died during or as a result of active service.  

Featured service personnel have been selected from the Roll of Honour at the Darwin Cenotaph, and include Private Walter Styles – the first Territorian to die as a result of wounds he suffered during active service in Gallipoli, and Private Scott Palmer – the most recent Territorian to die on active service in Afghanistan. Cadets of the Australian Defence Force will feature in the ceremonies, along with bugle calls and the laying of wreaths. 

The Darwin Military Museum and RSL have played a vital role in selecting honourees for the Last Post Ceremonies.

The Last Post Ceremony schedule with full honouree details, as well as information on other Territory Tribute events can be found at www.territorytribute.com.au

Territory Tribute will position the NT as the place to learn more about military history and pay respect to our service men and women past and present, and bring more visitors to the Top End during the Wet Season.

Part of Turbocharging Tourism, the Territory Government is investing more than $1.9 million in Territory Tribute, which runs from the Bombing of Darwin commemoration on 19 February through to Anzac Day and includes an International Military Writer’s Festival, Overture to Peace concert and more.

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“The Last Post Ceremonies play a very important role in the Territory Tribute program and I’d encourage people of all ages to attend at least one of these ceremonies to acknowledge those members of the Australian Armed Forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.

“We want to showcase Darwin as a premier tourist destination, especially for national and international visitors interested in military history, which is why the Territory Labor Government has invested in Territory Tribute as part of the record $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package to attract visitors, create local jobs and put more money into the pockets of Territorians.”

Quotes from Darwin RSL Representative, Don Milford:

“The RSL is very supportive of the Last Post Ceremonies. The Territory is so closely connected with the Defence Force, and Territorians embrace Anzac Day each and every year. 

“The Last Post Ceremonies provide a new opportunity for people young and old to learn more about the individual Territorians who fought, and paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the land they loved.

“Their setting at the Darwin Cenotaph will make for a moving experience – I’m sure they’ll be well attended.”

Quotes from Darwin Military Museum Director, Norm Cramp:

“These Last Post Ceremonies are a moving and authentic way to connect us to history, and allow all Territorians to commemorate those who gave their lives in service for our country.

“Every single person on the Darwin Cenotaph is important, and worthy of acknowledgement.

“I look forward to sharing more of their stories with Australia and the world in coming years.”

Media Contact: Trish Grimshaw 0401 119 242