For 45 years, Barbara Smith has not been back to the Northern Territory. 

But now she’s been able to visit her daughter Michelle, who’s taken up a job at the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, and re-explore a place not usually open to the public – the local Navy base where she raised her children in the '70s and '80s. 

“There was a strong sense of community while raising my kids on the base in Darwin. It was one of the happiest and welcoming places because I felt so safe and supported by our friendly neighbours,” Barbara said. 

From 1978 to 1981, the Smiths lived at Larrakeyah Barracks while Barbara’s husband, Warrant Officer Class 2 Harley Smith, served in the Army for more than two decades. 

Since his passing in 2004, Barbara and Michelle have been actively keeping their ties with the Defence community alive. 

“My dad was heavily involved with his association (1RAR B Company) after he retired and my mother still often attends events at Enoggera when she is able to go,” Michelle said. 

“Sadly, many of the veterans have left us, and the war widows and families are carrying the torch.” 

'The legacy and memories of those who served on this base before us will always be around, and it’s up to us to continue to build on their experiences and leave the base in a better state for the next generations to come.'

During her mother’s visit to Darwin, Michelle reached out to the community engagement coordinator at HMAS Coonawarra.

“I cold-emailed Ron to see if he could give us a tour of the base. I know it’s not something that’s usually done, but I figured it was worth asking,” she said. 

“It was such a wonderful place to grow up; we just wanted to see what it looked like now.”

Chief Petty Officer Ronald Schauer, a local schoolteacher and reservist working as the conduit between Navy and the NT community, was happy to assist with the request. 

“We’re here for the community as much as they’re here for us. It was my pleasure to be able to show the Smiths around the base that they called home for years,” he said. 

Chief Petty Officer Schauer showed the pair around the base, including the site of their old home (which has since been replaced by newer houses), the iconic sergeants mess, Norforce building, military police station and the old swimming pool – which is now the site of the command building. 

“When we lived here, they were blowing out the cliff side to build the patrol boat base, so seeing it now, there’s been a huge number of changes,” Michelle said. 

Commanding Officer Coonawarra Captain Bernadette Alexander echoed Chief Petty Officer Schauer’s welcoming sentiments.

“It was my pleasure to meet with the Smiths and, as they pointed out, many things have changed since the '80s, but they have been changes for the better,” Captain Alexander said. 

“The legacy and memories of those who served on this base before us will always be around, and it’s up to us to continue to build on their experiences and leave the base in a better state for the next generations to come.”