Fifty years on: Navy veteran receives recognition for service during Cyclone Tracy

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) veteran George ’Murray’ Shepherd was recently presented with the 50th Anniversary of Cyclone Tracy commemorative coin, recognising him for his service during the 1974 natural disaster.

Navy veteran Murray Shepherd with RSL Queensland Engagement Officer Hannah Axford (left) and Vice President of the Naval Association of Australia Queensland Branch Ray Sandford (right)

The devastating natural disaster 

Cyclone Tracy devastated the city of Darwin during the early hours of Christmas Day in 1974. The Category 4 cyclone, with winds over 217km/hr, damaged 70% of the city’s homes and left 41,000 people homeless. Sixty-six people also lost their lives and more than 645 people were injured as a result of the catastrophic event. 

Murray was just 20 when he arrived in Darwin on board HMAS Stalwart (II) to help in the aftermath of the cyclone. He was part of the RAN’s largest peacetime disaster relief operation at the time, which involved 13 ships, 11 aircraft and approximately 3,000 personnel. 

“I was a communications electrician and was part of the team that helped rebuild the entire communications network for the police, fire and ambulance up there. It had all been flooded,” Murray explains. 

In 2024, a commemorative coin was commissioned by Member for Solomon, Northern Territory, Luke Gosling OAM to recognise the service of those involved in Cyclone Tracy relief and rebuilding efforts 50 years on.

Ray Sandford, Vice President and Advocacy at the Naval Association of Australia Queensland Branch travelled to Darwin with 26 former sailors for the 50th anniversary, but Murray was unable to make the trip due to being in hospital.

To ensure Murray was also honoured, Ray presented him with the commemorative coin in February 2025. Ray says the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy was a significant occasion, and it’s important to rightfully honour those who assisted in the aftermath.

“Cyclone Tracy was a moment in time of major significance for the Royal Australian Navy, and the sacrifice and service those people put in shouldn’t be forgotten,” he says. 

It takes a village 

Further to organising this recognition for Murray, Ray recently connected Murray with Kedron-Wavell RSL Sub Branch and RSL Queensland, which – together with the Naval Association of Australia Queensland Branch – have been assisting Murray with wellbeing, DVA advocacy and housing support.

“Murray’s recent journey is a great example of ex-service organisations coming together and working together to support a veteran,” Ray says.

“The collaboration between the Naval Association of Australia and RSL Queensland to assist Murray has been incredibly positive. 

“This sort of networking within the ESO community can work really well and should be celebrated.”

Murray says the support he’s received from Kedron-Wavell RSL Sub Branch and RSL Queensland has been outstanding.

“I can’t speak highly enough of what the RSL has done for me,” Murray says. 

“Victoria, my Wellbeing Advocate from RSL Queensland, has been doing an amazing job supporting me, and I can’t speak more highly about her manager Natacha. Both have been fantastic assisting me during this time, and I can’t thank them enough.”

If you’re looking for support, browse RSL Queensland’s range of services for veterans here: www.rslqld.org/find-help/