Cyclone Tracy destroyed 70 percent of Darwin's buildings, including 80 percent of homes. In its wake, a mere 6 percent of houses remained habitable, leaving 25,000 residents suddenly homeless. All public services – communications, power, water, and sewerage systems – were completely severed.
On 28 February 1975 the Australian government formed the Darwin Reconstruction Commission. Over the next three years it oversaw the rebuilding of more than 2,500 homes at a cost exceeding $150 million. This massive project reshaped Darwin's physical landscape. After Cyclone Tracy nationwide building codes were introduced to improve safety standards.
Ever wondered what your house looked like post Cyclone Tracy?
In the months after Cyclone Tracy, Filmwest were contracted by the Darwin Reconstruction Commission to photograph property lots in Darwin to record their condition and determine the scale of works required for recovery. These images have been digitised and can be viewed online.
To search for your house lot go to RecordSearch, on www.naa.gov.au, click the PhotoSearch tab and type in your street address.
