1984-85: Cyclone Kathy rolled in to Borroloola in March forcing residents to take shelter

BORROLOOLA residents took shelter on 23 March 1984 as Cyclone Kathy rolled in.

The remains of the Borroloola pre-school after Cyclone Kathy's 250 km/h winds swept through the township destroying 90 per cent of the infrastructure.

BORROLOOLA residents took shelter on 23 March 1984 as Cyclone Kathy rolled in.

The mangroves in the region weren’t so lucky, with vast tracts destroyed by the severe winds and storm surge.

Somewhat surprisingly, Cliff Richard began his Australian tour in the NT, performing at Darwin Amphitheatre, while NT Government ministers were deciding how to deal with the newly discovered cane toad invader, and considering whether to downgrade the endangered status of saltwater crocodiles.

Alex Fong Lim was elected Lord Mayor of Darwin, making him the first Australian Chinese Lord Mayor.

In 1985, Wycliffe Well roadhouse received its alien-themed makeover in 1985 thanks to new owner Lew Farkas.

He spent 29 years at the UFO hotspot, fielding calls from media outlets around the world

when UFO activity took place.

This year saw Uluru handed back to the Anangu traditional owners, and the new Palmerston Town Council take office.

INXS wowed 8,000 fans at Darwin Amphitheatre, with local muso Todd Williams, frontman of Top End band the Swamp Jockeys, describing “an electric” Michael Hutchence.

A $35 million extension to Casuarina Shopping Centre saw Darwin “move into a new era of shopping sophistication”.