Australians across the country will be able to take part in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin through a historic-first livestream event set up by the Darwin City Council.

On Saturday morning, Territorians will gather at The Cenotaph in Darwin Esplanade to pay their respects to the men and women who fought during the first attack on Australian soil and the community that survived.

Just before 10am, on February 19, 1942, World War II forced itself onto Australia’s mainland for the first time, when formations of 188 Japanese aircraft mounted a deadly air raid on Darwin, dropping more bombs than were used in the attack on Pearl Harbour.

At least 235 people were killed, more than 400 were wounded, 30 aircraft were destroyed, 11 ships were sunk, and many civilian and military facilities were damaged.

This attack marked the first of at least 64 air raids on Northern Australia and attacks continued until 12 November 1943.

“On Bombing of Darwin day, we reflect on our past, pay tribute to the service men and women who courageously defended our country, and remember all those who were affected by the war fought over Northern Australia,” the RSL wrote on their website.

Darwin Mayor Kon Vatskalis said it is “an event of national significance” and “a part of our history all Australians should be aware of”.

City of Darwin has put together a schedule of commemoration events for the community to take part in.

For the first time, the City of Darwin will live-stream the commemoration service “to allow Australia as a nation, to join their city in acknowledging the 80th Anniversary.”

One of the last surviving veterans, who was in Darwin during the bombing, Brian Winspear, will attend the service.

Northern Territory Senator Malarndirri McCarthy posted Mr Winspear’s photo on Facebook on Thursday showing him onboard an airplane.

“He was a RAAF pilot and gunner during the bombing of Darwin 80 years ago. Lovely to chat during meal break (hence mask off) on our flight to Larrakia country. There are moments of sadness as Brian tells of mates lost, but not forgotten,” Senator McCarthy wrote.

The 101-year-old veteran vividly recalls the first bombing of Darwin in which he received shell splinters in his hand and eye.

“We were in a trench, about fifty yards from the aerodrome and you could see the Japanese in their cockpits,” he said.

“I looked up and the sun glinted on the bombs as they were falling, and it was just like confetti.”

The City of Darwin Council said the descendants of the Darwin Larrakia people will be in attendance “to acknowledge how Indigenous and non-Indigenous worked side-by-side to contribute to the war effort”.

“It was devastating for the local Aboriginal community. We remember together and embrace reconciliation by sharing stories and acknowledging what happened”, says Larrakia elder Christine Fejo-King.

Other descendants of the fallen, military, civilian survivors and evacuees will also attend the service at the Darwin Cenotaph, 9.30am to 11am ASCT (11am to 12.30pm AEST).

You can view the live-stream here: https://livestream.com/cod/bod