Cyclone Tracy: Aftermath and recovery explored in new documentary

The role of defence and civil agencies in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy is explored in a new documentary to screen Boxing Day, the latest in a number of productions commemorating the disaster and Darwin’s recovery.

A new Darwin-produced documentary focusing on the recovery effort following Cyclone Tracy will debut on the small screen on Boxing Day.

Cyclone Warriors, which celebrates the efforts of the ADF, police and volunteers in the days and weeks after the cyclone, will screen on First Nations TV (channel 4) and Darwin TV (channel 41) from midday on Boxing Day.

Sponsored by Territory construction company Sitzler, the documentary is a deep dive into the rescue and recovery that followed the cyclone, with stories from rescuers and the rescued that began with the arrival of Major-General Alan Stretton.

Admiralty House days after the cyclone.

A number of Territorians share their stories including former and serving CLP politicians Peter and Gerard Maley, theyir uncle Kevin Maley, survivor Mirella Fejo and former coppers including Les Chapman and Eddie Joseph.

Beginning with the stories of death and destruction in the hours after Tracy, the 35-minute documentary moves onto the remarkable works of the recovery teams, with the Australian Defence Force front and centre.

Sir Peter Cosgrove, a group commander with the Army in Darwin after the cyclone, joined with current ADF personnel including HMAS Coonawarra Commanding Officer Captain David Shirvington to provide a tour d’horizon of the clean-up.

Long-time Territorians Gerard Peter Maley appear in Cyclone Warriors

Director Ian Richards said the documentary will be broadcast from midday on Thursday, after Territorians had completed their own comemeration ceremonies for the generation-defining event.

“The film features powerful first-hand accounts from survivors and emergency services personnel who lived through the chaos and devastation,” Mr Richards said.

“These stories reveal the fear, loss and incredible bravery that emerged in the face of unimaginable destruction.

“Pivotal moments include the sinking of HMAS Arrow during the storm, the mass evacuation of residents aboard Hercules aircraft, and the arrival of Major-General Stretton to co-ordinate the monumental recovery effort.

Ian and Jen Richards from TV Works

“As well, Peter Cosgrove’s first-hand insights add a compelling perspective on the courage, co-ordination, and resilience that defined the disaster response.”

First Nations Broadcasting chief executive Dr Donna Odegaard AM said the documentary would be one of the network’s most significant events.

“This is an outstanding production and the efforts of locals and those who came to assist with the rescue make a compelling story,” she said.

The documentary is among a slew of local productions focusing on Cyclone Tracy and its aftermath.

The pick of those was the Sky News produced Cyclone Tracy - 50 Years On, which was brim-full of never before seen vision filmed during the aftermath of the Cyclone, including the actual rescue of a man from the wreckage of a house.

Presented by Sky News’ Northern Australian correspondent Matt Cunningham, Cyclone Tracy – 50 Years On is available on YouTube.