Australia’s political leaders delivered heartfelt messages this Christmas, blending seasonal cheer with solemn reflections on resilience and community spirit.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended warm Christmas wishes, emphasising the season as a time for “generosity and kindness.”
In his address, he thanked the nation’s medical workers, emergency personnel, charity staff, hospitality workers, and Australian Defence Force members who “give up their Christmas to help others.”
Albanese’s message was poignant as he commemorated the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, which devastated Darwin on Christmas Eve in 1974. Speaking from the city, he described visiting the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, home to the Cyclone Tracy story.
“Walking amongst the exhibition today on Christmas Eve was a solemn reminder of the destruction wreaked on Darwin 50 years ago and a demonstration of the resilience and strength of this community.”
The Prime Minister also shared a personal story of a survivor, Antony, who as a 12-year-old endured the cyclone’s wrath, huddled under his house as winds exceeding 217 km/h tore through Darwin.
“Antony’s story of bravery and resilience is a reminder of the strength that so many in the Darwin community showed that night.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton echoed Albanese’s sentiments, calling the story of Cyclone Tracy one of “ruin and resurrection.” He reflected on the devastation and the incredible resolve shown by the people of Darwin in rebuilding their city and lives.
“From the tragedy of Cyclone Tracy, many lessons were learnt, and improvements to building standards and disaster planning emerged.”
Dutton also paid tribute to the Australians who responded to the crisis with courage and compassion, describing the post-cyclone rescue and recovery efforts as “an operation rivalling Dunkirk.”
In his Christmas message, Dutton highlighted the financial struggles many Australians face, praising charity workers and food banks for their efforts.
“Even with hardships at home, we should reflect this Christmas on how lucky we are to live in the best country in the world.”
Both leaders concluded with messages of hope and unity, urging Australians to celebrate the spirit of the season while remembering those less fortunate.
Support Our Journalism
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon
