1974

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Sir Robert Menzies

Posted in 1974

  • In February, Sir Robert and Dame Pattie's second son Ian dies after a long illness.
  • August 11: The Mayor of Kew presents Sir Robert with the "Freedom of the City of Kew" - the only person bestowed the honour. It is granted in recognition of his work for Kew and his electorate of Kooyong.
  • Sir Robert celebrates his 80th birthday on 20th December.
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Australian Events

Posted in 1974

  • Cyclone Tracy devastates DarwinDouble dissolution of Parliament: ALP wins the election but fails to gain a majority in the Senate.
  • Sir John Kerr is appointed Governor-General.
  • Federal Government agrees to land rights for Northern Territory Aborigines. The Woodward Report recommendations are accepted in principle by all political parties.
  • "Advance Australia Fair" replaces "God Save the Queen" as the Australian national anthem.
  • December 25, Darwin: 65 lives are lost in Cyclone Tracy which destroys 90% of homes in Darwin leaving 25,000 people without shelter.

† Northern Territory Library - Cyclone Tracey

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World Events

Posted in 1974

  • Watergate scandal: US President Nixon resigns.
  • Greek-Turkish conflict in Cyprus escalates.
  • India explodes a nuclear device.
  • New York to London flight is made in less than two hours.