Here’s a look back on Fairfield Road in Yeronga in the aftermath of the 1973 tornado that ripped through Brisbane’s southern suburbs, as old photographs reveal the extent of the destruction, with buildings razed to the ground and debris scattered across the landscape.
The tornado, a destructive force of nature, cut a 51-kilometre path of devastation from Brookfield to Victoria Point on November 4, 1973, varying in width from 100 to 230 metres. In its wake, 1,390 buildings were damaged, 500 were declared structurally unsound, and another 500 lost their roofs. Yeronga was one of the hardest-hit suburbs, with the tornado leaving a trail of destruction through its heart.
Among the casualties was the Ideal Picture Theatre, a Yeronga landmark that had graced the site since 1923. The image emphasises the theatre’s absence in favour of a scene of utter devastation.
Another local institution, the Yeronga Shopping Centre, was severely damaged, with roofs torn off and shops left in ruins.
Local businesses such as Shirley’s Milk Bar, Atheneon Fish and Chips, Watson Drapery, and Billy’s Odds and Ends were impacted. Their storefronts were barely recognisable amidst the wreckage.
The tornado wreaked havoc on homes and businesses, leaving residents in shock and despair. Cars were overturned, trees uprooted, and power lines downed, creating chaos and confusion. Miraculously, despite the widespread destruction, there were no fatalities in Yeronga, a fact attributed to the early hour of the tornado’s arrival.
This historical photograph reminds us of the tornado’s impact on the Yeronga community and the wider Brisbane region. It is a testament to the resilience of the residents, who rebuilt their lives and their suburbs after this natural disaster.
Published Date 24-July-2024
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