$64,450 has been donated to Legacy NT from the sale of the Bombing of Darwin commemorative number plates, thanks to the support of Territorians. A partnership between the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Remembers program and the Automobile Association of the Northern Territory (AANT) saw 429 sets of the specially designed and manufactured plates sold as a commemorative souvenir as part of the 75th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin.
The Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields said the plates were symbolic to the war time effort in the Northern Territory. “The Bombing of Darwin is an event etched into our history and it is important for Territorians to remember and reflect. The commemorative number plates help to show appreciation and gratitude to our past and present service men and women.” Mr. Shields commented “Legacy is dedicated to caring for the families of deceased and disabled veterans and we are proud of the funds raised by the sale of the number plates and congratulate everyone who made a purchase to support this very important cause,” Shields added.
President for Legacy NT Jack Hamilton OAM said he was very pleased to accept the cheque from the Northern Territory Government on behalf Legacy NT. “We will use the funds for welfare support to our 120 widows, children and disabled dependents of deceased and incapacitated veterans located in the Northern Territory. This support is provided by some 32 Legatees, who are all volunteers, many of them veterans themselves. I am very appreciative of this initiative and I thought the program was well thought out and well executed. The number plate initiative was a very good program,” Mr. Hamilton commented.
AANT CEO Byron Henderson said this was a great opportunity for the AANT to be involved in such a worthy cause. “The AANT was very proud to be approached by the NT Government 12 months ago to facilitate the sale of the number plates. Interest in the plates has come from around Australia, not just the NT as the story of the Bombing of Darwin spread, our partnership with Legacy will continue long after the commemoration and the sale of the number plates ends.” Mr. Henderson commented.