Darwin community members gathered at The Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network on recently to look back on the devastating Cyclone Tracy, 50 years on.
The evening brought together ten senior Aboriginal artists who lived through Cyclone Tracy to share their memories through visual storytelling.
In honour, the Offical Launch and Collector's Night of 'Tracy's Echo 50 years of Resilience Aboriginal Senior's Memories' held a unique Exhibition of Strength, Survival and Cultural Legacy.
Local sisters Joanne and Tanyah Nasir created this heartfelt initiative for Aboriginal survivors to present their experiences and memories ahead of Cyclone Tracy's 50th anniversary.
"What truly struck me throughout this journey was the overwhelming absence of Aboriginal voices in the narrative of Cyclone Tracy. So many of us, particularly our fierce seniors and Elders, hold the most vivid memories and stories—an untapped reservoir of history, resilience, and strength," said Joanne Nasir.
Through their leadership, the Elders embarked on a transformative journey, translating their lived experiences of survival, loss, and recovery into profound works of art.
"This exhibition not only shares their stories but also invites the wider community to understand the cultural and spiritual dimensions of survival and recovery in the face of natural disasters," she added.
The powerful new exhibition sheds light on the untold stories of resilience and recovery from Aboriginal survivors.
Survivors retouched on points in their personal journeys amidst a stunning display of art that speaks to strength, healing, and hope.
The exhibition will reside at the Darwin Airport Terminal from 16 December 2024 to 12 January 2025, making these poignant stories accessible to a wider audience.
A Testament to Collaboration. The journey to bring Tracy's Echo to life has been one of collective effort, from local businesses and agencies with support from: Airport Development Group; Artback NT; Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network; Power and Water Corporation; Indigenous Media NT; Eprint; Frames Framing; and many volunteers.
"We are incredibly grateful for the sponsors and supporters who saw the value in amplifying these voices," said the Nasir sisters.
The exhibition is more than art—it is a tribute to courage and a reminder of the strength within our communities.