50 years after Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, the Albanese and Lawler Governments will honour the memory of those who died and those whose lives were irrevocably changed with a permanent monument and separate permanent memorial in Darwin.
The Australian Government is giving a total $600,000 to the Northern Territory Government to work in partnership with stakeholders to install a kinetic monument at Bundilla Beach, as well as a memorial designed by a local artist at East Point.
Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin in the early hours of Christmas morning in 1974. Seventy-one people died, more than 600 were injured, and 80 per cent of the city was destroyed. The population was left traumatised.
The cyclone, which is among the most destructive ever recorded in Australia, also changed the face of Darwin. More than 36,000 people left Darwin in the wake of the cyclone, around 70 per cent of houses suffered serious structural failure and the damage bill topped $800 million.
Cyclone Tracy did lead to the strengthening of building codes around Australia, which have helped to prevent deaths in more recent cyclones.
Comments attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“It is fitting that on this 50th anniversary of such an overwhelming disaster, that we establish a permanent memorial to mark the impact Cyclone Tracy had on Darwin and on the rest of Australia.
“In honouring the people we lost, those who were injured, and those whose lives changed through the lasting trauma, we ensure they will not be forgotten.
“We also recognise the enormous effort of the people of Darwin in ensuring their city was reconstructed in little more than three years.”
Comments attributable to Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Eva Lawler
“As a Cyclone Tracy survivor I know Cyclone Tracey is in Darwin’s DNA. Territory spirit was put on display 50 years ago. The Darwin community, our local Tracy survivors and those who now live interstate are working towards significant events and activities to remember and reflect on the lives lost, those still missing and the families impacted, and to thank those who helped evacuate and rebuild our city.
“Over the past 50 years, Darwin and the Territory has transformed. We have beautiful weather, landscapes and adventures. The Territory is built on the character and stories of each of our towns and cities, especially Darwin.
“This funding will go towards the construction of a significant new permanent monument to those killed, injured and survivors. This will benefit not only Territorians but all Australians.”
Comments attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King
“Darwin was changed by Cyclone Tracy and creating a memorial acknowledges the tragedy of Cyclone Tracy and the resilience of the people of Darwin.
“The city is now a gateway to Asia, and a thriving modern place to live and work.
“It would not be that way without the work done to rebuild Darwin and the people who stayed or returned to rebuild their community.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Solomon (Darwin and Palmerston) Luke Gosling OAM MP
“In many ways there are two Darwin’s – pre and post-Cyclone Tracy - and the story of our city cannot be told without honouring the lives lost and forever changed, as well as the strength and resilience of a community to rebuild from such devastation.
“For the first time, Darwin will have two dedicated spaces to mark this chapter in our history where survivors and their families can visit to remember, reflect and heal and where visitors and new Territorians can learn more about this tragedy and pay their respects.
“Both the monument and the memorial art installation will complement the existing Cyclone Tracy exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory.
“I’ve worked closely with Survivors Group ‘Remembering Cyclone Tracy,’ the City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government to ensure a federal government contribution to deliver these projects for survivors, their families and the community.”