It is hard to comprehend the force with which Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin early on Christmas Day 50 years ago.

It was so ferocious that it killed 66 people, partly or completely destroyed 10,000 homes, and wiped out most public utilities.

John Fegan was there in 1974 and lived to tell the tale.

Mr. Fegan told Dean Miller on 4BC Summer Breakfast, 'I think that most of Darwin was just so excited about Christmas, they were just pushing this into the background and just weren't ready for it.'

'All of a sudden the roof caved in. Then the walls started caving in. We had to get the hell out of there.'

'The most terrifying thing that I can remember is the sound of a sheet of corrugated iron travelling at 200 kilometres an hour through the air.You know, it's just the sound of it.'

It is hard to comprehend the force with which Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin early on Christmas Day 50 years ago.
It was so ferocious that it killed 66 people, partly or completely destroyed 10,000 homes, and wiped out most public utilities.
John Fegan was there in 1974 and lived to tell the tale.
Mr. Fegan told Dean Miller on 4BC Summer Breakfast, 'I think that most of Darwin was just so excited about Christmas, they were just pushing this into the background and just weren't ready for it.'
'All of a sudden the roof caved in. Then the walls started caving in. We had to get the hell out of there.'
'The most terrifying thing that I can remember is the sound of a sheet of corrugated iron travelling at 200 kilometres an hour through the air.You know, it's just the sound of it.'

If it's happening in Brisbane, you'll hear about it first on 4BC Breakfast with Peter Fegan.

If it's happening in Brisbane, you'll hear about it first on 4BC Breakfast with Peter Fegan.

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'All hell broke loose': 50 years ago Cyclone Tracy ripped through Darwin

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Listen to 4BC Summer Breakfast with Dean Miller weekdays from 5.30am-9am.

Listen to 4BC Summer Breakfast with Dean Miller weekdays from 5.30am-9am.

FULL SHOW: 4BC Summer Breakfast with Dean Miller, December 24th, 2024

The 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race gets underway on Boxing Day with an impressive fleet of 105 yachts getting ready to take on the challenge.

This year’s race will feature 23 Double Handed entries - alongside four 100-foot maxis who will be fighting for the Line Honours victory.

Graeme Taylor has 8 line honours wins under his belt and will be at the helm of Masterlock Commanche.

Mr Taylor told Dean Miller on 4BC Breakfast on 4BC Summer Drive, 'Looks like it will be pretty fast and furious out of the box.'

The 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race gets underway on Boxing Day with an impressive fleet of 105 yachts getting ready to take on the challenge.
This year&rsquo;s race will feature 23 Double Handed entries - alongside four 100-foot maxis who will be fighting for the Line Honours victory.
Graeme Taylor has 8 line honours wins under his belt and will be at the helm of Masterlock Commanche.
Mr Taylor told Dean Miller on 4BC Breakfast on 4BC Summer Drive, 'Looks like it will be pretty fast and furious out of the box.'

'Fast and furious': The 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race kicks off this Boxing Day

There’ll be a lot of South East Queenslanders heading to the beaches over the Christmas break, and this means for our Lifesavers and guards, there’s plenty of activity to monitor.

Dave McLean, Duty Officer at Surf Life Saving Sunshine Coast, told Dean Miller on 4BC Summer Drive, 'We just want everyone to stay safe, and remember, stay between those red and yellow flags.'

Following the rain, Mr McLean continued, 'The water is still a little murky. The surf has brought some marine life around, so that's another advantage of staying between the flags.'

Chris Maynard, Chief Lifeguard for the City of the Gold Coast told Dean Miller, 'Absolutely gorgeous down here on the Goldy, just a picture along the coast.'

Mr Maynard continued, '[The water] has really cleared up here... looking really good for a swim anywhere along the coast.'

He continued to tell Dean Miller that they have had a couple of incidents, and continued to warn swimmers to stay between the flags this festive season.

There&rsquo;ll be a lot of South East Queenslanders heading to the beaches over the Christmas break, and this means for our Lifesavers and guards, there&rsquo;s plenty of activity to monitor.
Dave McLean, Duty Officer at Surf Life Saving Sunshine Coast, told Dean Miller on 4BC Summer Drive, 'We just want everyone to stay safe, and remember, stay between those red and yellow flags.'
Following the rain, Mr McLean continued, 'The water is still a little murky. The surf has brought some marine life around, so that's another advantage of staying between the flags.'
Chris Maynard, Chief Lifeguard for the City of the Gold Coast told Dean Miller, 'Absolutely gorgeous down here on the Goldy, just a picture along the coast.'
Mr Maynard continued, '[The water] has really cleared up here... looking really good for a swim anywhere along the coast.'
He continued to tell Dean Miller that they have had a couple of incidents, and continued to warn swimmers to stay between the flags this festive season.

'All hell broke loose': 50 years ago Cyclone Tracy ripped through Darwin

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