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The national reaction Immediately news of the cyclone reached the wider Australian community, fund raising and "in kind" help efforts began. Community groups of all kinds launched fund raising activities, and other initiatives designed to give practical help to cyclone victims - often by "adopting" members of kindred Darwin groups. Within the Territory some of the first news of the disaster was conveyed by motorists driving away from Darwin - many in cars not really fit for travel beyond the suburbs. Every Stuart Highway community quickly organised itself to meet Darwin refugees, and to provide food, rest, mechanical aid, and fuel. At Adelaide River the small local population achieved the immense task of providing a hot meal for every person who stopped there. Major reception centres were set up at Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs. Accommodation was provided at Alice Springs, and arrangements were made for journeys to be completed by air, while cars were railed south. By late on Boxing Day, 26 December, the people of Alice Springs had raised over $105,000 for immediate cash assistance for cyclone victims. Beyond the Territory, even before news of the disaster was broadcast, radio and television programs were interrupted with announcements recalling armed services personnel from leave. This led to widespread concern that a war had broken out, and the concern was not allayed for several hours. At each major airport refugees were greeted by Salvation Army and Red Cross workers. Clothing depots were improvised inside the airports, so that those who had flown out in pyjamas or without shoes were able to at least dress respectably before venturing further afield. Information centres were set up in each state, with the Red Cross taking particular responsibility for maintaining lists of names of refugees and their temporary addresses. Newspapers were published for Darwin refugees, often containing reassuring personal news. Public housing waiting lists were waived so that Darwin families were given priority in allocation of accommodation. One of the first interstate responses occurred at a Boxing Day test cricket match. During an adjournment in the game players from both teams moved around the boundaries, carrying buckets into which the crowd threw cash for the relief fund. Support came from even further afield. Some of the world's poorest countries (e.g. Bangladesh, Lesotho) sent money and messages, as did Australia's traditional friends and allies. Long term Darwin resident and psychologist Ted Milliken says that the overwhelmingly compassionate response of people and organisations throughout Australia "was important in minimising for all Darwin's people the stress of the circumstances of the days of their greatest need. Despair was not a necessary concomitant of devastation." (Milliken)  |
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