Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pays tribute to survivors, Darwin at Cyclone Tracy memorial unveiling

Before first light on Christmas morning, hundreds gathered at East Point Reserve to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy and witness the unveiling of a new monument. See the photos.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiling the new monument dedicated to those who lost their lives to Cyclone Tracy, East Point, December 24, 2024.

Before first light on Christmas morning, hundreds gathered at East Point Reserve to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, including the nation’s prime minister, who said the disaster brought out the best in the NT and Australia.

As the rain trickled down, about a thousand people packed together to hear guest speakers and survivors reflect on one of the nation’s most devastating natural disasters.

Among the many survivors scattered across the crowd were some who had travelled to Darwin for the first time since they endured the tragedy, which levelled Darwin in the early hours of Christmas Day 1974.

There were plenty of familiar faces, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, among the crowd.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the audience, paying tribute to those who came to the city’s aid.

“As we reflect on the destructive force of nature at its very worst, we also remember and honour the strength and kindness of Australians at their very best,” he said.

“The Australian Defence Force and emergency services personnel... were there to help from the first moment of crisis right the way through, and everyday Australians everywhere... responded with characteristic generosity.”

Mr Albanese said the spirit of Darwin lived on through those who call the Top End home.

“While the modern city of Darwin has grown and thrived, changed and evolved, the unique character of this place and the special warmth of the people who call it home endures stronger than ever.”

Governor-General Sam Mostyn paid tribute to Darwin, saying Territorians “taught the country” what care and kindness looks like. Picture: Harry Brill.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn said she recalled being moved by the determination of Territorians in the aftermath of the disaster.

“You are a tenacious group, but you took care of each other, and I think you taught the country what real care and kindness looks like,” she said.

“And the care and kindness of the community immediately in the aftermath, in those first few days, I think, has underpinned the persistence and determination that ensured that a new Darwin would emerge.”

The event culminated with the official unveiling of the highly anticipated monument dedicated to the tragedy, ‘Five Decades, Five Flowers, Forever Remembered’, designed by local artist Techy Masero.

Marg O’Hurley (left) and survivor Elizabeth Szegedi (right) said they appreciated the event. Picture: Harry Brill.

The five frangipani flowers, bearing the names of those who perished, received a warm round of applause as they were revealed to the crowd.

Local Marg O’Hurley said she found the design “beautiful and respectful”.

“It’s just a true reflection of what that night represented,” she said.

“It’s been beautifully done and today was just absolutely overwhelming and emotional.”

For survivor Elizabeth Szegedi, the occasion was deeply appreciated.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years – it’s flown but, you know, I really wish that my mum and dad were here, they’re the ones that got our family through this, and if it wasn’t for them, we might not even be here,” she said.

“So I’m thankful for them up in heaven.”

The crowd mingled for more than an hour after the design’s unveiling. Picture: Harry Brill.

Hundreds of attendees continued to mingle in the drizzle after the unveiling, enjoying the company of familiar faces and pleasant strangers.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro told this masthead she was touched by emotional event.

“I thought it was a really beautiful tribute, the hundreds, if not thousands, of people who turned up this morning brought our community together and to have the governor-general and the prime minister here really showed survivors that this is an important and powerful moment in our history,” she said.

“And 50 years on, we can be very proud of the city.”

Ms Finocchiaro said she was also impressed with new monument.

“It’s beautiful, and all of the feedback I’ve received from survivors this morning and asking them how they feel about the sculptures has been incredibly positive, which is what’s most important, that they’re happy.”

MORE PICTURES OF THE UNVEILING AT EAST POINT

The event commemorated 50 years since Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin.

A sea of camp chairs and umbrellas surrounded the event.

One of the five frangipanis unveiled.

Wet weather did not stop a huge turnout.

The monument was warmly received by those in attendance.

Larrakia man Lucas James addressing the early-morning crowd.

The one gazebo was not enough to accommodate everyone.

Mr Albanese on his way to address the crowd.

One of the frangipanis which was unveiled.

Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour searching for names with survivors.

Mr Albanese eagerly unveiling the design.

Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour (second from right) and Solomon MP Luke Gosling (right) joined Mr Albanese.

Mr Albanese socialising with locals after the event.

Christmas festivities could wait for those who attended the event.

A didgeridoo boomed at dawn.

Originally published as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pays tribute to survivors, Darwin at Cyclone Tracy memorial unveiling