Local author Patricia Collins will discuss her experiences as a naval officer stationed in Darwin during Cyclone Tracy at an evening author talk hosted by the Bundaberg Library.
The talk will focus on Patricia’s book Rock and Tempest which recounts the efforts of residents to survive the destruction and aftermath of the cyclone, with a particular focus on the role of the Royal Australian Navy.
Patricia said it was hard to believe that 50 years had passed since Cyclone Tracy hit.
“My fellow WRANS (Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service) and I were in our late teens and early 20s at the time,” Patricia recounted.
“Many of our memories are hazy but some incidents still stand out clearly and our losses still hurt.”
Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin in December 1974, killing 66 people and destroying most of the city.
Patricia described how more than 3,000 naval personnel and civilian employees responded to the disaster, with more than 40,000 citizens evacuated within a week.
“It was the military that stayed and worked on cleaning up the destroyed city,” Patricia said.
“My book, Rock and Tempest, tells the story of what happened outside the public view.
“It provides a first-hand account of the successes, the humour, heartbreak and horrors that the Navy encountered and endured.”
Dedication to duty
Patricia said that, while many lessons were learned from the destruction, she believed some things remained the same.
“We still have the attitude, ‘It can’t happen to me’,” she said.
“Despite our complacence, we can be sure that there will always be people who respond well in emergencies.
“There is always something we can do to help ourselves and others.”
Patricia said she felt there was a lack of recognition for WRANS and RAN (Royal Australian Navy) personnel who worked on the clean-up.
“Even so, we can be proud of ourselves and our service,” she said.
“The dedication to duty displayed by naval personnel in Darwin during Cyclone Tracy and the clean-up was inspirational.
“We share a deep bond forged in adversity.
“And Darwin is thriving.
“That’s a source of pride and satisfaction, knowing that we played our own little parts in its recovery, as proud members of the WRANS and RAN.
“We did a good job.”
Author Talk: Patricia Collins
When: 11 March, 6 pm (doors open at 5.30 pm with light refreshments provided)
Where: Bundaberg Library
Cost: Free, bookings required here.
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