The first Northern Territory volunteer division was formed in Darwin in late 1952.
In 1954, the Darwin Division obtained the lease on a half share in an old Chinese shop in Cavenagh Street, located where the City of Darwin Council Chambers now stand. This was to remain their headquarters for the next nine years.
The Brigade obtained their first “ambulance” in 1955, an ex-army 1942 Bedford truck, commonly known as a “blitz wagon”.
In 1960, an Auxiliary that became a de facto council was formed in Darwin. A further advancement occurred in November 1965 when a Branch Council of the Order of St John was formed, making the NT a separate sub-district of St John Ambulance, South Australia. The Administrator of the NT became the Council President and officers of the auxiliary, councillors.
Building of a permanent home for the Darwin Brigade commenced in 1961 on a block of land in Ross Smith Avenue, Fannie Bay (modern day Parap). The new headquarters building, lacking its upper storey, was officially opened on 15th August 1963 and named the “Reg Marsh Building” after the Assistant Administrator.
The Darwin Brigade took delivery of their first real ambulance, a VW Kombi van, in March 1962. This was based at Superintendent Jack O’Hare’s Nightcliff Clinic and was the start of their volunteer ambulance service.