Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to spend Christmas in Darwin for Cyclone Tracy anniversary

As families across the nation spend their Christmas morning opening presents, hundreds - including the PM - will gather at East Point Reserve to remember Cyclone Tracy.

East Point will be the site of a the unveiling ceremony for Cyclone Tracy memorial ‘Five Decades, Five Flowers, Forever Remembered’. Picture: Supplied.

As families across the nation spend their Christmas morning opening presents, hundreds - including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese - will gather at East Point Reserve to remember the lives lost to Cyclone Tracy.

At sunrise on Wednesday, a memorial dedicated to the tragic events of Cyclone Tracy will be unveiled, with Governor General Sam Mostyn and Mr Albanese among the VIPs listed for the event.

Other high-profile figures include Acting Administrator of the Northern Territory Elizabeth Morris, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, opposition leader Selena Uibo, Solomon MP Luke Gosling and Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour.

Designed by local artist Techy Masero, the memorial, called ‘Five Decades, Five Flowers, Forever Remembered’ features five frangipani flowers made from polished concrete and steel, representing the strength, beauty and resilience of the years that have passed since Cyclone Tracy.

Cyclone Tracy first made landfall at East Point Reserve, where the memorial will be unveiled. Picture: Supplied.

Chair of the Remembering Cyclone Tracy Incorporated Committee Richard Creswick said the occasion would be an “emotional tribute”.

“It was always the hope of the Remembering Cyclone Committee that the commemorations recognise the survivors, their amazing resilience and pay the utmost respect and sensitivity to their recollection of this event,” he said.

“The positive feedback and indications of attendance over the past few days are a testament to this.”

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said the Federal Government “was proud” to provide financial support for the memorial.

“Prime Minister Gough Whitlam said when visiting Darwin following Cyclone Tracy, “the national government leads a national effort to repair this national disaster that has stricken the Australian gateway”,” he said.

“Cyclone Tracy was an event of national significance, so it is appropriate and appreciated that the Governor-General, Prime Minister and Chief of Defence Force are joining the commemoration.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has flown to Darwin especially for the event. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The memorial unveiling will start from 5.45am on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

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

From December 27 to January 5, 2025, the Cyclone Tracy Survivors Art Exhibition will officially open to the public at the Qubit Gallery, giving visitors a glimpse into the rare memories captured in film or photo.

On December 29, the Darwin Railway Club will be hosting ‘Tracy Tales: Layers of Reflection’, providing survivors a platform to share their experience of the fateful disaster.

Originally published as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to spend Christmas in Darwin for Cyclone Tracy anniversary