When Will the Birds Return

1975, 50 Minutes

A television special that takes a long and searching look at the devastation of the city of Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory following the arrival of Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Day 1974.

Film Australia's immediate report on the 1974 Darwin Cyclone, Cyclone Tracy - Darwin, Christmas 1974 was shot in the first few days after the cyclone and released immediately in theatres all over Australia. This is the long film made to report on the unwelcome gift that was Darwin's on Christmas Day.

Shot in the first month after the cyclone struck, When Will the Birds Return follows the people in their determined efforts to rebuild the city and their futures in it. It also shows the devastation, the evacuation, the cleanup, the road blocks and the contingent of State and Federal police, who were brought in to help the NT Administration.

A Film Australia Production. © 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.