Last day and farewells








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Robert Simons by Vinka Lakic

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  The son of Frederick Quartermaine Simons and Mabel Bessie Simons, Robert Frederick Simons was born on 24 September 1921, in his hometown of Hindmarsh, in the City of Charles Sturt, South Australia. Robert was one of four children, and the brother of Rhonda, Elizabeth and Reginald Leslie Simons. At nineteen years of age, Simons enlisted to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on 18 March 1940. He was based at Darwin’s RAAF SHQ (Station Headquarters), and was assigned the service number, 26040. Robert was appointed the position of guard. Prior to the Second World War, Darwin’s No. 12 Squadron, which was equipped with Avro Anson and Wirraway aircrafts, and flew convoy escorts and flew routine patrols, had no guards. With the donation of .50 calibre machine guns provided by the Americans, the defence of RAAF Station Darwin was exclusively implemented by RAAF Guards, not the Australian Army; and so on 10 February 1942, over one-hundred guards arrived at RAAF Station ...
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So many stories preserved

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The feeling of trying to uncover meanings By Jasmine Baker After a lengthy journey to Kakadu from Darwin, we arrived at an area surrounded by tropical scrub. Walking down a rocky path, we were greeted by beautiful swampy surroundings. The native flora in the area was a fascinating accompaniment to our walk in the hot, thick air. The scrub cleared and we arrived at a tall escarpment. After a short walk, we arrived at Ubirr - a beautiful site consisting of Indigenous rock art. The images presented to us were around 1500 years old, from the most recent freshwater period. The art allowed us to step back into this time, observing the abundance of food in the area - images of barramundi, goannas and echidnas. Some paintings are said to have been 2000-3000 years old. The feeling of trying to uncover meanings and piece these to aspects of history was nothing short of fascinating. We marvelled at what was before us, so many stories preserved over a period of time so hard to grasp. The most ...
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April has not happened but all is go for October!

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  Still waiting for Darwin Study Tour but it will happen!! Unfortunately, we needed to cancel the April trip because of COVID considerations. Whilst incredibly disappointing, the good news is that the trip has been re-scheduled for 1-11 October this year.  The itinerary has been completed and booked with only a few changes. The main reason for the changes is that we do not now have Anzac Day commitments in Darwin, and as a result we can spend more time adventuring in Kakadu and Arnhem Land. The new trip looks fantastic and we now have to wait another 6 month before the group finally has the trip to share and learn from.  Whilst it has been a long wait, the staff are determined that this will be a great trip for you all. We will probably meet as a group before October because in June a new group of Premier Anzac Spirit School Prize awardees will be announced and presented with their medallions and certificates - you will all be invited to that ceremony if it is held before...
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