Jac Cowan’s Cyclone Tracy special “Radio is an incredible way to get these stories heard”

Those who survived it will never, ever forget it.

They were supposed to be celebrating Christmas. Instead, their lives were upended in the most unimaginable way.

It’s now 50 years since Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, killing 66 people and leaving homes and buildings across the city in ruins.

This week on Darwin’s Hot100, Drive show host Jacqueline Cowan will present a deeply personal and moving tribute to mark this sombre anniversary.

For Cowan, radio is more than just entertainment – it’s about preserving and sharing  history.

Through conversations with over 10 survivors of Cyclone Tracy, Cowan will share their raw, emotional stories.

These are stories of extraordinary courage, resilience and hope, in the face of unimaginable loss. Some of these personal accounts have never been shared before and for Cowan, to hear them is a privilege.

“The courage and strength of these survivors is something I can’t fully express,” Cowan says.

“What they lived through is beyond comprehension. Their trauma is profound, and yet they have rebuilt their lives, their homes, and their community. The emotional scars from that night in 1974 remain, but they carry them with such strength, in different ways, each survivor carrying their own weight of memories.”

Most of the survivors Cowan has spoken to are the last generation to share their truth.

“These survivors are the keepers of history,” Cowan says. “Their stories are not just personal; they are the stories of an entire city’s survival. As the years go by, their voices become more important, as they are the final witnesses to the raw truth of Cyclone Tracy. I think it’s so important that their stories are heard by future generations.”

Cowan, who is relatively new to Darwin, has quickly connected with the local community.

“The people here have welcomed me so openly, and they’ve trusted me with stories that are both painful and powerful,” she says. “These are stories of survival, of perseverance, of people who faced devastation head-on and still found the will to move forward. It’s been an honour to share them with a wider audience.”

One interviewee shares with Cowan the story behind the gold crosses (pictured above) she received as a Christmas gift.

“The Christmas tree and those earrings were two of the only things that survived in her house. She still wears them to this day.”

Cowan says radio is an incredible way to get these stories heard.

“I don’t think many people in my generation fully understand the scale of Cyclone Tracy and the impact it had on Darwin. Some might even take it for granted. But it’s crucial for younger people to hear these stories, so the heroism and spirit of these survivors are never forgotten.”

As far as Cowan is concerned, Cyclone Tracy survivors are nothing short of extraordinary.

“These people didn’t just rebuild their homes; they rebuilt an entire community. Their stories show what true courage and hope look like, even after such devastation. They are the living proof of the strength of the human spirit – resilient, determined, and unbreakable.”

Cowan also emphasises the importance of connecting with others through shared stories.

“I love people and humanity. It’s essential in our professions, especially in radio, to capture these stories, to share emotions, and to connect with strangers. This is what we do – it’s the power of human connection that makes what we do so meaningful.”

Cowan’s special – which starts today – It serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to come together in times of crisis and how communities, no matter how torn apart, can adapt, rebuild and emerge stronger in the face of unimaginable loss.

As well as being an important reminder of the past, Cowan’s Cyclone Tracy special also promises to be a celebration of resilience, strength and hope.

Jac Cowan’s Cyclone Tracy Special airs each day this week from 3pm to 5pm on Darwin’s Hot100