Darwin Defenders Melbourne Chapter is an association for veterans, their families and friends.

We aim to:

Recognise and honour those who were
prepared to sacrifice their lives
to protect Australia from invasion
Hold an annual Commemoration Ceremony
at the Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne
on 19th February
Support the activities of
the national committee
Preserve some of the stories of the
Darwin Defenders 1942 – 1945
Provide a regular opportunity for veterans
and their families to meet and share their wartime experiences
Help promote the teaching of Australia’s
military history in our schools.

Upcoming Events

2020 Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Commemoration Service

Melbourne Service

The Darwin Defenders 1942-1945 Commemorative Service will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance on Wednesday 19th February 2020.

Official invitations and information to schools will be sent in term 4.

• Find out more...   

Members

Darwin Defenders Melbourne Committee

Patron

John Lord AM FAICD

Darwin Defenders Melbourne Branch President
Alan Day KJSJ FAIM

Vice Presidents

Robyn Bell
Michele Gallin

Secretary

Bernadette Lightfoot

Treasurer

Eleanore Leydon

Educational Consultant

Tim Gurry OAM

RSL Representative
Brian Neal		  

Committee Members

 

Dorothy Darby
Dorothy Spooner
Freda Pavey
Mavis Watson

Peter Harrington
Shirley Cornish
Ula Van Prooyen

National Affliction

The Melbourne Chapter of Darwin Defenders supports the activities of Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Inc. which is an incorporated society formed in 1999. To find out more about the National Committee – please contact:

Bernadette Lightfoot
31 Station Street
Malvern VIC 3144
bern@ryebuck.com.au
03 9500 2399

Latest News

AUGUST 2019

77th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin Commemoration Service – Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne

The Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders 1942-1945 were once again honoured and privileged to be able to organise the 77th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on Tuesday 19th February 2019. Read the report and keynote address...

March 2019

Bombing of Darwin survivor Herbert Kriloff dies aged 103

A survivor of the biggest World War II attack on Australian shores, Commander Herbert Kriloff, is remembered as "one of the pioneers, in more ways than one, of the alliance between the United States and Australia, which binds our two nations together today". Read the full story

Photo: Herbert Kriloff wrote a memoir of experiences that had "stayed with him for life". (www.abc.net.au)