City of Darwin launches Cyclone Tracy Anniversary Commemoration Grants ahead of 50th anniversary

City of Darwin has launched a new events funding program to honour 50 years since Cyclone Tracy hit the city in 1974.

City of Darwin has launched a Cyclone Tracy 50th Anniversary Commemoration Grants Program to go towards events and activities honouring one of the most significant events in Darwin’s history.

Next year will mark 50 years since the cyclone hit Darwin on Christmas Eve in 1974, devastating the city and destroying over 70 per cent of homes with more than 70 lives lost.

The grants have a collective value of $50,000 with two options available, up to $1,000 for small neighbourhood events or activities, and up to $5,000 for events, activities or projects involving the wider community.

Photos from after Cyclone Tracy, outside the house of Arafura Trees owner Tess Smith

City of Darwin chief executive Simone Saunders said the grants program was designed to “support and empower organisations to create activities that honour the memory of Cyclone Tracy and acknowledge its profound impact on the city.”

“The grants program recognises the significance of Cyclone Tracy for the Darwin community, as well as assisting with the ongoing healing process for community members,” she said.

“The program is aimed at supporting community groups and organisations in holding events and activities to observe a crucial part of Darwin’s history.

“City of Darwin encourages creative and thoughtful contributions to recognise Cyclone Tracy’s impact on the city and we are hoping to see events that will commemorate, educate and recognise the strength and resilience of the Darwin community.”

City of Darwin CEO Simone Saunders said the Cyclone Tracy 50th Anniversary Commemoration Grants Program would support the memory of the cyclone and its impact on the city. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The program has three themes; ‘Commemorative,’ to provide opportunities for remembrance, ‘Educational,’ to inform and create learning opportunities, and ‘Recognition,’ to create awareness, appreciation, and acknowledgment of survivors and all those affected.

The program will provide funding for not-for-profit events, activities and programs including ceremonies, activations, exhibitions, live storytelling events, memorials and documentaries.

To be eligible, activities must align with the Cyclone Tracy Commemoration Grant Program objectives and themes, demonstrate community benefit and involvement, take place within the municipality of Darwin, and be delivered before 28 February 2025.

Applications close Thursday 15 February 2024.

For more information, visit darwin.nt.gov.au/community/things-to-do/community-celebrations/cyclone-tracy-50th-anniversary

Originally published as City of Darwin launches Cyclone Tracy Anniversary Commemoration Grants ahead of 50th anniversary