Evacuee Identity Card – Ian Roy Collins

This is the Darwin Evacuee Identity Card, commissioned by the Australian Government as part of the emergency response to Cyclone Tracy. The card was designed to assist evacuees displaced by the disaster, certifying their status as residents of Darwin at the time of the cyclone and ensuring they received support and assistance during their evacuation and resettlement.

The cards were issued primarily through the Department of Social Security and other coordinating bodies involved in the evacuation and resettlement of Darwin’s displaced population.

Purpose and Issuance

The cards were distributed to evacuees who were airlifted or transported out of Darwin as part of the massive evacuation effort, which involved relocating over 30,000 residents to other cities across Australia. The cards served several key purposes:

1. Verification of Residency: They certified that the bearer was a resident of Darwin on 25 December 1974.
2. Access to Assistance: The cards instructed agencies, organisations, and individuals to provide “every assistance possible” to the bearer. This included access to temporary accommodation, financial aid, food supplies, and other relief services.
3. Record Keeping: They helped authorities track evacuees and coordinate services such as transport, housing, and welfare benefits during the chaotic post-cyclone period.

The cards contained personal information such as names, family details, and contact points for further enquiries. This was essential for managing the displaced population and ensuring they received adequate support.

Recipients

The cards were given to:

• Darwin residents who were evacuated.
• Individuals who could prove their residency or connection to Darwin, including children and dependents.
• Evacuees traveling to cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, or Sydney, where many were housed in temporary shelters or with host families.

Controversies and Criticism

Although the cards were a practical tool for managing the crisis, several issues and controversies arose around their use:

1. Invasion of Privacy: Some evacuees felt uncomfortable providing personal information, especially in a time of stress and upheaval.
2. Stigma: Being identified as an evacuee with a card sometimes led to discrimination or pity, particularly in host cities where evacuees were viewed as burdens on local resources.
3. Coordination Issues: The sheer scale of the evacuation led to administrative challenges. Some evacuees reported delays or confusion in accessing services due to inconsistent processes or unclear instructions.
4. Lack of Choice: Many evacuees felt they had little say in their relocation, which was closely tied to these identity cards. Some residents were reluctant to leave Darwin, but the issuing of the cards formalised their participation in the evacuation.

Historical Significance

These cards now serve as poignant artefacts of the Cyclone Tracy disaster, representing the resilience of evacuees and the complexities of managing such a large-scale displacement. They also illustrate the Australian Government’s rapid mobilisation to respond to a national emergency, albeit not without flaws.

In hindsight, the evacuation effort, including the use of identity cards, has been praised for its efficiency in saving lives and providing care to displaced residents, though it remains a reminder of the personal and logistical challenges faced in disaster recovery.