Dec 32 min read

Personal accounts, messages of peace mark Cyclone Tracy anniversary

A replica car was on display at the Cyclone Tracy anniversary event of the vehicle in 1974 (below) that was sprayed with the word ‘Salvo’ to let people know The Salvation Army was assisting in recovery efforts.

BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE

Over the past week, The Salvation Army joined the City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government in staging events commemorating 50 years since Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin.

The cyclone, which hit Darwin in the early hours of Christmas Day 1974, killing 66 and leaving 25,000 homeless, was marked by a public memorial event on Saturday 30 November at Darwin Ski Club.

This event featured keynote speaker Colonel Winsome Merrett, TSA Chief Secretary, and Major Paul Hateley, Divisional Commander for SA/NT, as master of ceremonies.

Major Paul Hateley speaks at the ‘Thank You’ Appreciation Event.

The Salvation Army also marked the anniversary with a ‘Thank You’ Appreciation Event for key donors and those who were part of the recovery efforts, held on Thursday 28 November at the Hilton Garden Inn, where the cyclone picked up cars and tossed them into the Hilton pool.

Winsome told attendees about her experience as a 16-year-old living through the cyclone.

Commissioner James Condon, former Territorial Commander of Australia Eastern, spoke about coordinating the reception of evacuees to Mt Isa.

Following the speeches, attendees shared their stories and experiences from the cyclone with one another.

Colonel Winsome Merrett speaks at the public memorial event in Darwin at the weekend.

Commemorative service On Sunday 1 December, TSA survivors, first responders and leaders came together for a Commemorative Church Service and luncheon at Darwin Corps. Winsome shared from Mark 4, where Jesus calmed the storm. She told how, as a terrified teenager, she ran to the kitchen with her family while the house was being destroyed around them. Her mother reminded them all to talk to Jesus about the situation. Immediately, she felt a sense of peace.

“Sometimes Jesus calms the storm, and sometimes he calms his child in the storm,” she said.

The cover of the commemorative booklet published by The Salvation Army Communications Department.

VIP events planned for Friday 29 November were cancelled due to community backlash regarding the exclusivity of the event and the Kinetic Sculpture, which had been set for unveiling that day.

Further events are expected during December as the anniversary date looms.

To read more about the involvement of The Salvation Army following Cyclone Tracy, you can read the commemorative booklet here.