Half-century of service, Cyclone Tracy commemorated by St John

St John NT unveils sign and website commemorating 50 years since Cyclone Tracy and becoming full service provider.

Sheeting rains lashed volunteers that were manning emergency communications, staffing St John’s Northern Territory Headquarters in Parap during Cyclone Tracy.

Volunteers endured a near escape after the communications tower collapsed across the staircase when they were making their way to take shelter in the bottom half of the building.

Many of the team did not return to their own homes until days after the cyclone.

For some of them there was no home left to return to.

This year marks a milestone in the NT’s history, recognising 50 years since Cyclone Tracy ravaged the Top End.

St John NT chief executive Andrew Tombs said 50 years ago was not only a defining moment for the NT, but for the ambulance service too.

In recognition of the hard work and dedication of the ambulance service during the disaster, and since, a commemorative sign was erected at St John’s Parap Station and was unveiled on Tuesday, December 3 by Mr Tombs, Administrator of the Northern Territory Hugh Heggie, and St John NT patron Ruth Jones.

St John NT chief executive Andrew Tombs, Patron Ruth Jones, Administrator of the Northern Territory Hugh Heggie and Mark Ferguson unveiling the new Cyclone Tracy commemorative sign at the St John's Parap Station. Picture: Sam Lowe

“At the time of the cyclone, St John provided a volunteer ambulance service outside of business hours in Darwin, supporting the Darwin Hospital and operating out of the Parap Ambulance Station,” Mr Tombs said.

“While Christmas Eve 1974 will always be remembered for the tragic impact of Cyclone Tracy on Darwin, it also presented the defining moment that St John transformed from a volunteer service to the full ambulance service provider in Darwin as it was granted control of all ambulance services… including ambulances belonging to the Department of Health.”

Fifty years later, St John continued to act as the provider of ambulance services to the NT community and remained steadfast in its mission to save lives, Mr Tombs said.

“All of those who came together in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy and contributed to the effort, even after losing so much, are a true testament to the values of St John,” he said.

Stories about the volunteers and staff who supported the NT through the tragedy are available here.

Originally published as Half-century of service, Cyclone Tracy commemorated by St John