ENJOY TERRITORY DAY BUT STILL BE SENSIBLE

IT is going to be another cracker day in the Territory. Above all else though this day is one that means more than most to Territorians. From the Top End down to the Red Centre, we are finally getting to celebrate Territory Day – the day that marks the granting of responsible government to the Northern Territory from the commonwealth.

It symbolises the strength and the spirit of men and women of the Territory, a spirit that has endured suffering, withstood hardships and overcome many times of adversity.

The Northern Territory took shape slowly as an independent territory.

South Australia took over responsibility for it in 1863, but relinquished the Territory to the federal government in 1911. The Territory was then governed by commonwealth administrators until 1974 when a Northern Territoryelected Legislated Assembly was created. Full internal selfgovernment under a unicameral system followed in 1978.

This evening the Territory will come alive with fireworks, concerts and community events in recognition of that historic day that the NT declared independence from the commonwealth government.

There will be free, family friendly events with concerts in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin, and fireworks displays in 17 regional and remote communities.

We urge you all to join in the fun as Territorians have a blast to celebrate everything they love about this incredible place we call home. Above all, whether you are launching fireworks in your backyards, public parks and on beaches, do it safely and with commonsense.

Remember there were calls for the date to be changed to a less flammable time of year because of the high bushfire danger at the end of August.

According to BOM data, August 27 last year had the highest temperature of the month at 36.4C, the strongest winds of the month at 30km/h and the lowest relative humidity of the month. With Cracker Night on August 29, conditions will likely be similar.

Our firefighters and the hundreds of volunteer fighters in rural and remote areas are on red alert. Much of our bush at this time of the year is tinder dry and with many of the fireworks designed to specifically give off sparks the risk factor is high. Do the right thing by your neighbours, your family, your friends and all Territorians and, most importantly, our emergency service personnel who have to deal with the consequences of foolish behaviour.