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

2024 Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Commemoration Service

Melbourne Service

The Darwin Defenders 1942-1945 Commemorative Service will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance on Monday 19th February 2024 commencing at 10:00am.

Please contact us if you would like for your school to attend the service on Monday 19th February 2024. We welcome all schools and teachers and parents.

• View Melbourne Invitation PDF  

To watch the live stream on Monday 19th February of the commemorative service to honour those that served in Darwin 1942-45 visit this link:

https://www.shrine.org.au/darwin-defenders

Latest News

SEPTEMBER 2023

81st Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin Commemoration Service

Sunday 19th February 2023 marked the 81st Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. In 2023, to enable schools to attend the commemoration, the service was held on Monday 20th February. It was with the support of the Veterans Council of Victoria; the Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders 1942-45 was able to hold the service on the forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance. Read more...

AUGUST 2022

Vale Alan Richard Day KJSJ, KAIM

It is with sadness that we share the news of Alan Day’s passing on the 25th July 2022.

Alan had reached his 100 years in February this year and he was absolutely thrilled with all the official recognition – especially the card from the Queen!

In early June, Robyn, Michele and I (from the Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Melbourne group) were able to visit him at Vasey RSL Care at Frankston South for a special Air Force Association Centenary presentation. Read more...

Members

Darwin Defenders Melbourne Committee

Patron

Rear Admiral John Lord AM RAN (retired)

Darwin Defenders Melbourne Branch President

 Robyn Bell

Vice President

 Michele Gallin

Secretary

 Bernadette Lightfoot

Treasurer

 Eleanore Leydon

Educational Consultant

 Tim Gurry OAM

RSL Representative

 Brian Neal

Contact Us

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
0417 337 267