This Telecom Australia Cyclone Tracy 20th Anniversary Commemorative Limited Edition Phonecard Pack was released in 1994 to mark two decades since Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin. The pack not only includes a $5 phonecard but also a wealth of historical information and imagery to commemorate and educate about the disaster’s impact.
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Key Features of the Phonecard Pack:
- Design: The phonecard features a radar image of Cyclone Tracy, courtesy of the Bureau of Meteorology, alongside other historical visuals. These design elements connect the commemorative item with the scientific and human stories of the cyclone.
- Accompanying Content: The pack includes a detailed timeline of the cyclone’s formation, landfall, and immediate aftermath, along with photographs of Darwin before and after Tracy. It highlights critical moments such as the radar tracking of the cyclone, the destruction caused, and the scale of the emergency response.
- Historical Significance: The pack provides insights into the devastation, including statistics like peak wind gusts of 217 km/h, the destruction of over 10,000 homes, and the evacuation of more than 35,000 people. It also details the remarkable airlift operation, which was the largest in Australian history.
Legacy and Collectability:
- Limited Edition: Each pack was part of a limited edition series, adding to its value for collectors of phonecards and memorabilia related to Australian history.
- Educational Purpose: The pack served as both a functional item for Telecom’s services and a historical artefact that preserved the memory of Cyclone Tracy for future generations.
- Cultural Value: By marking the 20th anniversary, this commemorative pack underscored the resilience of Darwin’s people and the collaborative effort of the recovery process.
Broader Context:
The release of this pack in 1994 came at a time when phonecards were popular and widely used in public payphones across Australia. It also aligned with a growing cultural recognition of Cyclone Tracy’s significance as not just a natural disaster but a defining moment in Australia’s history. The pack remains a powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience.