40th Anniversary of Cyclone TracyPrint Page 
The plaque commemorates the 40th anniversary of the impact of Cyclone Tracy on Darwin on 24 December 1974.
Cyclone Tracy in December 1974, virtually destroyed Darwin and the next morning most of the 48,000 population were made homeless by the largest natural disaster in Australia`s history and 71 lives were lost. As the eye of the cyclone passed over the city between midnight and 7.00 am Christmas morning, winds over 217 kilometres per hour destroyed houses, buildings and damaged critical infrastructure across the city.
The Category 4 storm killed 66 people and forced the evacuation of more than 33,000 residents, many of whom never returned. 70 per cent of Darwin’s homes were destroyed or suffered severe damage, businesses were lost, livelihoods changed and all public services, including communications, power, water and sewerage were severed.
In the weeks after Cyclone Tracy, one of Australia’s largest reconstruction efforts commenced. The rebuilding of Darwin was a massive operation that involved thousands of people over a short few years.
Location
| Address: | 2 Smith Street, Portico, Christ Church Cathedral , Darwin, 0800 |
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| State: | NT |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -12.465879 Long: 130.845327 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
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| Monument Theme: | Disaster |
| Sub-Theme: | Storms |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 24-December-1974 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 24-December-2014 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Friday 26th December, 2014 |
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Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Cyclone Tracy
In memory of those who lost their lives and in thanks for those who lived.
As part of this anniversary we also give thanks to the many individuals and groups who worked together to rebuild Darwin, who returned to make this city what it is today.
This important site and porch already rich in history will forever be remembered as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the people of Darwin and provide a fitting refuge and place for important gatherings.
Unveiled by the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Darwin Katrina Fong Lim
26 December, 2014
