$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.”

“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,” said Mr Shields.

Legacy is a voluntary organisation supported by veterans, servicemen and women, and volunteers drawn from all walks of life. Our support and services now extend to include the dependants of members of today's Australian Defence Force who lose their lives as a result of their military service.

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 dependants 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.

Mr Hamilton served in Vietnam having spent 36 years in the Army. He has been president of Legacy NT for 16 years and been part of the organisation for more than 20 years.

“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,” he said.

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.”

Purchasers were able to choose a plate between BOD 000 and BOD 999 and made available for a Northern Territory vehicle. Interstate buyers could purchase a “display” plate however only one plate was issued for display (not the set of two). Discussions are taking place regarding the remaining plates and how these may continue to be accessed by the general public now that the program has concluded.

Some interesting number plates currently being used in the Northern Territory include:

• BOD 958 which represents 9.58am, the time when the first bomb dropped – owned by Natalie Shervill, Marketing & Membership Manager from AANT.
• BOD 039 which represents the year in which WWII started (1939) – owned by Don Milford, President RSL Club.
• BOD 004 - owned by Jack Hamilton is one of the first editions off the rack.

As part of the program, we would love to see your numberplates and hear your stories. Simply #numberplatesofdarwin or #ntnumberplates and #NTaustralia via social media.

For further information on The Territory Remembers program visit www.territoryremembers.nt.gov.au