PM spends Christmas in Top End, reflects on Cyclone Tracy

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined hundreds of families to mark the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy — a natural disaster that forever changed the face of Australia’s Top End.

Anthony Albanese joined hundreds of families in Darwin on Christmas morning to remember the lives lost to Cyclone Tracy in 1974, marking 50 years since the tragedy.

The category four cyclone swept through Darwin on Christmas Eve and into the early morning of Christmas Day in 1974, with the 217km/hour winds destroying homes and claiming 66 lives.

It was one of the worst natural disasters Australia had ever seen, with up to 80 per cent of Darwin flattened and four in five buildings dismantled or seriously damaged.

Some 36,000 people had to be evacuated and the damage bill topped $800m (about $7.7bn in 2023 dollars).

Many evacuees decided not to return.

On a three-day visit to the Northern Territory, the Prime Minister, who was just 11 when the cyclone struck, attended the Christmas Day dawn memorial service at East Point Reserve in Darwin on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends the dawn service for 50 years since Cyclone Tracy hit. Picture: NewsWire/AIIM Photography Darwin.

Mr Albanese said many people were still feeling the effects of the cyclone today.

He said rebuilding Darwin took a national and international effort that set new standards for safety and quality in construction, which meant the cyclones that hit Australia in the following years caused less damage to homes and “nothing like the terrible loss of life” seen with Cyclone Tracy.

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

“The monument that we unveil today stands in tribute to those qualities and to this solemn truth.

“The story of Darwin and the story of Australia — no matter the challenge, we face it together and we look after each other.”

Darwin, nearly four months after Cyclone Tracy struck, in April 1975.

Cyclone Tracy damage in the northern suburbs of Darwin.

Other high-profile figures include Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Defence Force chief David Johnston, NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and opposition leader Selena Uibo.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn said at the time, the rest of the country had no idea what those in Darwin were living through on Christmas and Boxing Day, given the lack of technology and social media.

“I hope the nation’s focus this Christmas Day is all on Darwin, paying attention to the stories that come from here and a little reflection on what is so much of the strength of the Australian character, which I think is all about love and care and kindness for one another,” she said.

In a statement, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the spirit of the people of Darwin and their determination to rebuild the city had inspired the whole country.

“As the intense and slow-moving Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin directly, families sought shelter in bathrooms, under tables and beds, in cars, or wherever they could,” Mr Dutton said.

“The rebuilding and resurrection of the Northern Territory’s capital city over three years was a mighty mobilisation of national blood, sweat and tears – spurred on by the indomitable spirit of the people of Darwin.”

Later this week, several other survivor-led events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy will also take place.

Meanwhile, Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher said the celebration of Christ’s birth breaks through the challenges of climate, war and pandemics.

“God became one of us to share in our humanity: not just the opportunities but the vulnerabilities, not just the joys but the sorrows. He took them all upon Himself,” he said.

“This Christmas cast your troubles and those of our world upon Him and let Him give you peace, hope and joy in their place.”