Our Darwin Yarn Up held 10-11 September 2015 at Senator Nova Peris’ offices was a busy one! Jennifer Petterson from DVA assisted us by promoting the event and generating interest and we spoke with Boyd Scully, now sadly deceased, whose uncle William Scully was killed in the bombing of Darwin in World War 2 and Muki Muir about her father Billy Muir’s World War 2 service, the evacuation of her mother to Brisbane during World War 2 and her brother Ali’s experiences after returning from his service in Vietnam. We also spoke to Fenton D’Antoine about his brother Gordon’s Army service as a forward scout in Vietnam where he was killed in action.

We also heard from past and present service men and women including John Scrutton, who spoke to us about his experiences in the Air Force as an Air-Frame Fitter over the course of nearly 20 years, including service in Malaysia during the Vietnam War, and Glen Hall, who works for Indigenous recruitment today and spoke to us about his career in the Navy of over 21 years, where his service as a submariner was a highlight. Des Mayo spoke to us about his army training and experiences serving in Malaysia as a National Serviceman before returning as a volunteer to fight in Vietnam. He details the difficulties of serving in a jungle environment, and about his experiences of racism, friendship, combat, R&R and other situations whilst serving in Vietnam and Malaya. Des also discusses his difficulty in returning to civilian life.

Colin Cahill spoke to us about his experience in the army including his service as a forward scout in the Vietnam War, and the lasting effect that conflict has had upon him both physically and mentally. Colin recounts stories of mateship, racism and combat in Vietnam, as well as his post-army life. Colin Rogan discussed his service in the reserve and regular Army across a variety of roles including the Military Police and serving in Iraq in a body guard capacity, and in Afghanistan with private security firms. Colin also spoke about NORFORCE.

• View the Darwin Yarn Up 2015 flyer;
• Read about our return to Darwin in August 2016 for a series of further interviews.