To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, a series of events will be held to honour those who lost their lives, and to recognise the resilience and achievements of Darwin’s community in the wake of this tragic event.
Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin on Christmas Eve in 1974, becoming one of Australia’s most devastating natural disasters.
Tragically, 66 lives were lost and nearly 80% of Darwin’s buildings destroyed, leaving the city in ruins and displacing thousands of residents.
“Cyclone Tracy’s impact was profound, forever altering Darwin’s landscape and setting in motion a monumental rebuilding effort that would ultimately shape the vibrant city we know today,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
“These 50th anniversary commemorative events will bring together survivors, their families, and the wider community to reflect, remember the victims, and celebrate the spirit that helped rebuild Darwin.
“The commemorations pay tribute to the families who endured loss and devastation, and gives Territorians a chance to listen, to learn, and to carry forward the stories of resilience. These events remind us of the power of community, the importance of preparation, and the bonds that unite us.”
Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said: “The City of Darwin, in partnership with community organisations and state and federal government, has coordinated a program of activities, events and projects throughout November and December 2024 to commemorate the anniversary.”
Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling said: “Cyclone Tracy was a significant national event and the Australian Government is proud to have contributed to the 50th Anniversary Commemoration.”
Richard Creswick, Chair of the Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc. Committee, said: “The Remembering Cyclone Tracy Committee extends our warm thanks to the Northern Territory Government and the Commonwealth Government for their generous support in making these events possible. The Australian Government has provided $300,000 in funding to the memorial at East Point Reserve, and the Northern Territory Government more than $100,000 in funding and in-kind support of these events.”
A dedicated Cyclone Tracy website has been created with information on all events, activities and initiatives taking place to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy.
Community members are invited to explore the website, submit their own commemorative events, activities, and initiatives for inclusion, sign up for updates and contribute to the digital archive via books, artwork and documentaries.
The website is available at [https://cyclonetracy.darwin.nt.gov.au].
LIST OF PUBLIC EVENTS
Housing performance and extreme events – lessons learnt from Tropical Cyclone Tracy for a more resilient Darwin here
7 November @ 4pm – 5pm
This talk will provide an overview of the work from CSIRO researcher, Dr Bob Leicester, who led a survey of building damage in the immediate aftermath of Tracy.
One Family’s Story: Remembering Cyclone Tracy
9 November @ 11:30 am – 24 December
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy a photographic exhibition will be hosted at the NT Library in Parliament House. The photos were donated by the Prideaux family in 2023. They documented Christmas Eve 1974, the destruction of the family home in Alawa and surrounding suburbs, the family’s survival following the cyclone, and their evacuation.
This will be the final exhibition presented at the NT Library in Parliament House before it moves to Danala in the CDU Education and Community Precinct.
Arafura Wind Ensemble musical dialogue here
9 November @ 7pm – 9pm
Arafura Wind Ensemble will host a special event that will be a musical dialogue of the music of the time of Cyclone Tracy, and how community music has grown to what is today.
Cyclone Tracy – 50th Anniversary Commemorative Event here
30 November @ 8:30 am – 12pm – Darwin Ski Club
25 December 2024 marks 50 years since Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin. Cyclone Tracy is still one of Australia’s most devastating natural events and retains a place in the psyche of locals and survivors. To commemorate, City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government is hosting a free event to recognise the significant impact.
Photo Exhibition here
2 December @ 9am
13 December @ 4pm
Baz Ledwidge and Beat Erismann lived and worked in Darwin at the time of Cyclone Tracy. This photo exhibition showcases iconic imagery of Cyclone Tracy aftermath. The photo exhibition will be displayed upstairs of the Civic Centre.
Book Launch: ‘Cyclone Warriors’ by Dr Tom Lewis here
7 December @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join us at the Northern Territory Library on Saturday 7 December for the launch of Cyclone Warriors: The Australian Defence Force and Cyclone Tracy December 1974 – June 1975 by renowned military historian Dr Tom Lewis. In his latest book, Dr Tom Lewis highlights the significant role played by the Australian Defence Force in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory | Talk | A Cyclone for Christmas here
9 December @ 11am – 12pm
11 December @ 11am – 12pm
13 December @ 11am – 12pm
14 December @ 2pm – 3pm
Take a special inside look at the new Cyclone Tracy exhibition, refreshed for the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy that all but destroyed Darwin, reshaping the city and its people forever. Join Territory History Curators, Jared Archibald and Paige Taylor, as they share some extraordinary stories.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory | Survival Stories Christmas Eve Special Performances
24 December @ 10:30am-11:55am – Survival Stories – Christmas Eve Special Performances
Amid the echoes of the cyclone that tore through the heart of Darwin, hear stories of survival.
TRACY – 50 Years, 50 Stories here
12 December @ 6pm – 7pm
Join us at Casuarina Library for an author talk with Derek Pugh OAM and Richard Creswick who have published an extraordinary collection of stories of survival from the cyclone that destroyed Darwin.
Ecumenical Service here
22 December @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Join us for an ecumenical service at Mary Star of the Sea Cathedral in Darwin as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy. Sponsored by various Christian services in Darwin, this event will honour the resilience of our community.
· Welcome reception – Survivors reflect and re-connect
23 December @ 5pm – 7:30 pm
This reception aims to bring survivors together to reconnect, reminisce, and share their experiences. Registrations and tickets via [https://aapevents.eventsair.com/50cyctracy]
· Tracy tales – Layers of reflection
23 December @ 5pm – 6:30 pm
29 December @ 7pm – 8:30 pm
Different ages, different contexts. Darwin Railway Club 17 Somerville Gardens Parap. Registrations and tickets via [https://aapevents.eventsair.com/50cyctracy]
· Memorial unveiling – 5 decades. 5 flowers, Forever Remembered
25 December @ 5:45 am – 7:30 am
