We wish to clarify recent commentary relating to commemorative activities for the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy. City of Darwin recently released the design of a kinetic sculpture – which we have formerly referred to as a monument – that we will install at Bundilla Beach Reserve and will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy.
The change in language from ‘monument’ to ‘kinetic sculpture’ was intended to clarify the difference between the City of Darwin-led kinetic sculpture and the Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc-led memorial at East Point. Despite the change in language to describe the installation, the purpose and intent behind the kinetic sculpture remains unchanged. However, we acknowledge this has caused some confusion, and wish to assure the community that we are operating in line with both our legislative requirements and the grant requirements.
The kinetic sculpture, Coriolis, is designed to pay respect to the history of Cyclone Tracy and represent the forces of nature affecting the Darwin environment. The theme of Coriolis is ‘momentum capturing the power of wind’. Its movement is dictated by the force of the wind and the sculpture will have expanding and retracting branches that represent themes of growth, resilience and regeneration.
The kinetic sculpture and its surrounds have several intended purposes, including:
- Provide seating and a landscaped space where people can reflect on the impact Cyclone Tracy had on our community.
- Serve to ensure visitors and current and future generations of the community understand the impact Cyclone Tracy had on Darwin and raise awareness of natural phenomena such as cyclones.
- Provide connections to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and include educational resources and information via QR codes about Cyclone Tracy.
- Provide a place for people to gather near the coast with sunset and sunrise views.
The design for the kinetic sculpture was unanimously recommended by the Cyclone Tracy Commemorative Advisory Committee (CTCAC) and then unanimously endorsed by the City of Darwin Council. The CTCAC is advisory in nature, while Council has final decision-making authority. Both the CTCAC and Council remain in support of the kinetic sculpture.
The CTCAC consists of four community members, as well as representatives of the Australian Government, the Australian Defence Force, Larrakia Nation, City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government. The Chair of Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc, Richard Creswick, is also a member. Both the City of Darwin Council and the CTCAC include members who are survivors.
Artist Phil Price was commissioned to create Coriolis as he is the only artist who creates kinetic sculptures that can withstand Darwin’s unique environment. Mr Price has designed Coriolis specifically to pay respect to the history of Cyclone Tracy. As do many artists, Mr Price has a distinctive style, which is translated in the uniqueness of each of his works.
The kinetic sculpture being coordinated by City of Darwin is separate to the land-based, survivor-led memorial being coordinated by Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc. Last night, City of Darwin Council resolved to provide in-principle approval for the installation of Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc.’s land-based memorial and interpretative signage at East Point, subject to location and works permit approval.
We understand Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc. has also released concept designs for a reef-based memorial off the coast of East Point Nature Reserve. As City of Darwin’s jurisdiction ends at the high-tide mark, we do not have decision-making powers relating to this proposed reef-based memorial.
City of Darwin and Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc. have each been awarded $300,000 in grant funding from the Australian Government. In line with grant agreement requirements, the funding received by City of Darwin cannot be transferred. The fabrication of the kinetic sculpture is underway, with installation planned for November 2024. The selection of the colour of the kinetic sculpture is currently being finalised, but it will not be the same orange colour depicted in the concepts shared on 7 June 2024.
We acknowledge there have been diverse views about the design of the kinetic sculpture. In planning for the 50th anniversary commemoration, Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc. indicated their preference to deliver survivor-led activities and events, including the East Point memorial. Out of respect to the wishes of Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc., through the kinetic sculpture Coriolis, City of Darwin has pursued a modern and future-facing interpretation of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy and the role this significant event has played in our city’s past, present and future.
City of Darwin is committed to commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy in a respectful and meaningful way and formed the CTCAC to assist in planning events and activities to take place between July and December 2024.
