As the pages of our calendars flipped over to show the 4th of April this week, many locals were left feeling a sense of unsettling nostalgia, recalling the havoc that tore through this very township 36 years ago when Cyclone Aivu made landfall.
Originally formed on the waters surrounding the Solomon Islands, Cyclone Aivu tracked directly towards the Queensland coastline, intensifying greatly, almost to the strength of 1974’s Cyclone Tracy. At approximately 10am on the morning of the 4th of April 1989, winds reaching over 200 kilometres an hour were recorded as Cyclone Aivu made landfall near Home Hill as a Category 4 weather event, leaving a trail of destruction in its path.
Homes were lost, and businesses were destroyed, however the Burdekin community came together like never before to rebuild what the devastating tropical cyclone tore away, just a year on from Cyclone Charlie.
“It’s another one of those days and times in our life when noting can be the same again,” shared a member of the community on a post published on a local community page.
Trees broke through walls, windows and ceilings across the region, as roofs lifted and flew through the streets. Patios detached themselves from buildings as families hid in hallways, bathrooms and under bed frames for hours on end whilst the Federal Government issued requests for assistance under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements in real time.
“The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Bowen, will visit the cyclone-affected areas of North Queensland tomorrow,” released former Prime Minister, Robert Hawke on the 4th of April, 1989.
“I have asked Mr Bowen to inspect damage in the Home Hill and Ayr districts caused by Cyclone Aivu – he will be reporting to me on the extent of the damage and Mr Bowen will also ensure that all possible immediate Federal assistance is provided.”
Still to this day, 36 years later, Cyclone Aivu holds a place as one of the Bureau of Meteorology’s most costly cyclones in Australian history, with records indicating overall losses totalling well over $120 million USD were recorded across the areas of Townsville, Ayr, Home Hill, Mackay, and into New South Wales.
The region has unfortunately seen a string of derailing natural disasters and weather events within the past four months alone. However, in reflecting on the long-lasting memories and terrifying stories of past experiences, locals can find comfort in the Burdekin community’s ability to endure, rebuild, and reconnect what mother nature may attempt to destroy.
Many locals were left without a home (Photo Credit: William Walker)
The Burdekin Theatre lost a section of its roof (Photo Credit: William Walker)
Railway sheds were destroyed as a result of Cyclone Aivu (Photo Credit: William Walker)
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