Darwin Army band gets new name and new digs
After more than 30 years known as the Australian Army Band Darwin, Darwin-based Army musicians have a new name and new postcode.
CAPTION: Commander 1 Brigade Brigadier Ash Collingburn, right, welcomes Commanding Officer Australian Army Band Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hiscock to Robertson Barracks, Darwin. Photo by Petty Officer Peter Thompson. Story by Captain Carla Armenti.
Formed in 1988, the band supports soldiers, sailors, airmen and women, as well as the community, all-year-round by raising morale and honouring the customs and traditions of the ADF.
The band was officially welcomed to the 1 Brigade family during a re-naming ceremony held at Binh Ba Lines at Robertson Barracks on 23 October.
Commander 1 Brigade Brigadier Ash Collingburn welcomed the band, now formally known as the “Band of the 1st Brigade”.
“I am delighted to see you settled in your new home and to have you as part of 1 Brigade,” Brigadier Collingburn said.
“Each time I hear the band, especially during a parade, the nostalgic feeling stirs and the connection to those who served before us and those we serve beside are felt more deeply,” Brigadier Collingburn said.
The Australian Army Band Corps was first established on 2 August 1968 with the Darwin band established in 1988 as one of the Australian Army Band’s 11 sub-units across the nation.
Commanding Officer Australian Army Band Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hiscock said the band would continue its important role for Army in the Top End community, continuing to perform at all the calendar events including Territory Day and the Bombing of Darwin Commemoration.
“The band remains the same – they will still look and sound the same – now they just have a new home and postcode,” Lieutenant Colonel Hiscock said.
“I thank 1 Brigade for this wonderful welcome to their family.”
Following formalities, the band played their first tune – Australian Army Band Corps March, The Minstrel Boy – followed by a top-20 pop compilation.
The band’s next community event is the Darwin Carols by Candlelight on 6 December.
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