The only fatality that occurred was at the intersection to the freeway which had nothing to do with speed. Who is making these decisions without consulting the people this actually affects?

The reason well heeled visitors come to this town is because it's simply a beautiful, easy-to-get-to escape from the big smoke, but there are a couple of areas in town that could do with a smarten up.

The recent repaint of the Grand Hotel really lifted the general feel in town and this is what visitors like. If we want outsiders to flock here to part with their hard earned we have to keep up standards. I think a few of the property owners here should understand that it is a privilege to own a premise in this town and keep it looking as pristine as possible. the main thing I dislike is the condition of some of the shops above the awnings.

There are some lovely art deco frontages but some really need a good paint job. None of these jobs are big jobs and a team of painters could get it all done within a week. And one last little gripe, the Dick Smith sign. How many years has it been since this business ceased and still we have to look at that faded old sign.  

At 9.58am on February 19, 1942, Japanese aircraft began the first of two bombing attacks on the city of Darwin, signalling the moment the Second World War was brought to our shores. Lieutenant Owen Griffiths recounted the attacks, the air over the harbour was full of Japanese dive bombers and fighter planes. There seemed just sufficient room between each to allow the next one to manoeuvre. There were so many planes diving and twisting about that at first I thought the enemy planes were having dog-fights with our planes.

The attack lasted for 40 minutes, with the Japanese sinking eight of the 47 ships in the harbour. Eighty minutes later, the second attack started, this time concentrating on the Royal Australian Air Force station, which was further inland.

Attacks would continue on towns across Australia’s north, including Katherine, Broome, Townsville, Wyndham and Cairns, with the final attack on Darwin on November 12, 1943. Tragically, Australia and its allies lost around 900 people, 77 aircraft and several ships, with many military and civilian facilities destroyed. In November last year, Darwin hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—the first visit to Darwin by a Japanese Prime Minister since the bombing raids during the WWII.

While Australia, and in particularly the Northern Territory, will never forget the events of February 19, 1942, they will remember this historic visit by Mr Abe as a sign of great respect to those who served and died during WWII. On Bombing of Darwin Day we remember and honour all those who served and died protecting our shores more than 75 years ago. Lest we forget.

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Mittagong Public School filled with beautiful cars