PM Reflects on 50 Years Since Cyclone Tracy’s Devastation
Prime Minister Albanese commemorates the impact of Cyclone Tracy on its 50th anniversary, urging Australians to prepare for future disasters.
Cyclone Tracy, Darwin, Australia, Anthony Albanese, Malarndirri McCarthy, Natural Disasters
Darwin: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently took a moment to remember Cyclone Tracy, which hit 50 years ago. He visited a new exhibition that highlights the disaster’s impact.
As he walked through the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, he learned how the cyclone affected over 37,000 Australians on Christmas Day in 1974. It was a tough time for everyone.
Albanese shared that he was just a kid in Sydney back then, but like many, he was shocked by the images coming from Darwin. He noted how Australians came together to support those in need after the cyclone.
Looking at old photos, he felt the weight of the loss. He praised the resilience of the people, saying that when knocked down, Australians always get back up and work together to rebuild.
He also took the opportunity to remind everyone to prepare for another summer of bushfires and cyclones, stressing the importance of learning from past experiences.
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, the Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister, recalled a recent cyclone that caused damage in her hometown. She highlighted the challenges faced during Tropical Cyclone Megan earlier this year.
Many residents in Borroloola struggled to evacuate due to late aircraft deployment, leaving them to weather the storm in homes that weren’t built to withstand such conditions.
McCarthy expressed her concern for the community, noting that the federal government can only step in when asked by the Northern Territory government. She and Minister Jenny McAllister have been working to ensure that lessons from past disasters are applied to prevent future tragedies.
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