Experiencing weather | National Library of Australia (NLA)

Experiencing weather

Living through extreme weather

Australia is known for its extreme weather, with many stories and first-hand accounts describing the impact of droughts, bushfires, floods and cyclones.

One of the most devastating events was Cyclone Tracy, which struck Darwin on Christmas Day, 25 December 1974. Major General Alan Stretton described the scene:

In the early hours of Christmas morning, in the pitch black of night, in the ruins of their homes, in the torrential rain and the shrieking gale, families huddled together under beds, in cupboards and anywhere that gave them a chance of survival.

Major General Alan Stretton

Learning activities

Activity 1: Disaster strikes – Research and analysis

Search the catalogue or Trove to find accounts of disastrous weather.

Here are some examples to get started:

Activity 2: Mock interview

After reading or listening to real-life accounts of disastrous weather, have students conduct a mock interview. They should:

  • prepare a set of questions and possible answers
  • record the interview as a video, using appropriate body language, tone, and gesture for both the reporter and the interviewee

Activity 3: Creative response

Have students choose one of the following creative options:

  • develop a series of visual images for each natural disaster using mixed media (such as paint, crayon, ink, collage, newspaper cuttings, quotes, maps and keywords)
  • create and perform a movement piece that expresses the emotional impact of a natural disaster using dance and music
Page published: 01 Jul 2025

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