THE HISTORY OF DARWIN

We came to the Northern Territory in 1975 and worked in two Aboriginal communities. It was Nhulunbuy before coming to Darwin at the beginning of 1987.

We have been living in Darwin for 36 years.

The thing I love most about Darwin is its history. I really would have loved to have lived in Darwin in past times when it was quiet, rustic, and a community in which people cared for each other and where people came first.

Neither would I mind revisiting from a living viewpoint the history of this place in the first decade or possibly 15 years after we arrived. Darwin was quiet, safe, relatively crime-free, and had an intimacy among locals and genuine care for each other.

I wouldn’t say I currently like living in Darwin, although we won’t be shifting or going anywhere. Darwin has become tourist-oriented, with people wanting to make big dollars and get rich. So much of what the government and our council do is directed toward tourists rather than long-term residents.

The city and its suburbs have become oriented toward defence and defence force buildup. Much infrastructure is being built to promote defence activities. Defence training exercises are held regularly for increasingly more extended periods. Forces are increasing numbers coming from overseas to participate in training exercises. The place is being built out, and the open space we enjoyed is largely gone. 

Not only that, but the focus on defence would make Darwin a pri

Crime has reached epidemic proportions. There is no way I would buy a new car, particularly not a Hilux. So many vehicles are stolen, domestic violence has increased, and assaults on people and the damaging of property have become commonplace. 

Our shopping centres are not safe places because of behaviour, and everything is being forgiven. Causes are examined to determine why those who perpetrated crimes, particularly youthful offenders, can be excused.

Since coming to Darwin in 1987, I have witnessed the building of two new jails (each one increasing in size) and juvenile detention centres. The third detention centre is being built. Some people are urging the government to extend the jail for adults. Our correctional facilities are bursting at the seams; our police force is underdone in terms of numbers, and in some cases, it seems increasingly hesitant about their powers, lest they offend against the rights of those breaching the law.

The streets and parks of older suburban areas have become very rundown, and Maintenance seems to be sporadic.

A great deal has gone into establishing new suburbs and housing on claims, but I suspect how buildings have been put up might mean unless the life expectancy is held for older and more substantial structures.

The place is being built upon and built upon and built upon and could be said to be blowing up like a balloon. I sometimes wonder whether this frenetic growth will eventually collapse inwardly and we will realise that maintenance and care for what we had and neglected should have been given a higher priority than is the case.

So in conclusion, what I like most about the place where I live is a reflection upon its history when things, in my opinion, were far better than they are now.

But, comparing what was to what the world now offers, is anywhere any good?