Remembering Cyclone Tracy
NT Health reflects on the tireless efforts of all staff who provided treatment and care when Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin on Christmas Eve 1974.
At the time, Darwin Hospital was located at Myilly Point in Larrakeyah.
Dr Alan Bromwich, the Senior Specialist Surgeon of the Department of Health, described the Category 4 cyclone as a "giant celestial vacuum cleaner intent on reaching every nook and cranny of the town".
Staff shared their memories of the howling winds, being on duty as a trainee nurse that night, and returning to work the next day as a hospital scientist.
The morning after, many doctors and nurses who had lost everything they owned still turned up to work, ready to play a vital role in Darwin's immediate recovery.
While the hospital was prepared for the cyclone with emergency procedures, staff worked long shifts with little sleep - tending to the injured in the flooded outpatients unit, treating patients, and assisting with clean-up of debris and destruction across the hospital wards.
Sister Arthur gave birth at the hospital during the early hours of cyclone, but tragically, the hospital's Head of Anaesthetics was among the 66 lives lost.
Hospital buildings were severely damaged including the birthing suite and nursery in the Kahlin Ward, and completely destroyed the pathology lab.
To help treat the influx of injuries efficiently, first aid clinics were established around the suburbs or at high schools, which were set up as temporary accommodation for the thousands of homeless residents until they could be evacuated.
50 years on, we acknowledge the lasting impacts Cyclone Tracy had on the Northern Territory's health workforce, the strength of the Darwin community to rebuild our vibrant city, and extend our sympathy to families and survivors still living with the grief and loss.
