DARREN BENNETT is the author of five highly regarded books. In July 2024, he released his debut novel, "25.12.74," and published his first children’s book, "Possum."

Both are set around the time Cyclone Tracy ripped through Darwin on Christmas Day, 1974, almost fifty years ago. As a child, Darren experienced first-hand the terrors of going through Cyclone Tracy, one of Australia's worst natural disasters.

Sixty-six people lost their lives in the cyclone, many more were injured. The entire city was flattened.

Both books are dedicated to the people who lost loved ones, the survivors, and the many who helped rebuild the city.

25.12.74

50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION

In the heart-pounding time travel thriller 25.12.74, author Darren Bennett (a survivor himself) takes readers on an intriguing journey back to the devastating events of Cyclone Tracy in December 1974—a cataclysmic natural disaster that almost wiped out the city of Darwin.

EARLY REVIEWS (all verified)

Tania from Brisbane wrote: I could not and did not want to stop reading this fabulous book! I was exactly the same age as the main character during Cyclone Tracy (although I was safely spending Christmas with family in Melbourne). I felt like I was in the story, and what a story it is…. wild and terrifying and exciting yet funny, sad and tender. You must read this book!!
Thank you, Darren -What an amazing writer you are!

Sandra from Ipswich wrote: I have had the privilege of reading your book, Darren. Wow! It's a fantastic novel. Once you start, it's hard to put the book down. You are a brilliant author. Congratulations!

John from Springfield wrote: I’ve just finished reading your book. It was excellent! To be honest, I found it hard to put down. I loved the local Springfield references and the memories of the 1970s, which I can relate to very well. It was a great read, Darren. I can’t wait for your next offering. Congratulations.

Carly from Darwin wrote: I just finished your book; it was absolutely amazing. I was in tears in some parts. This book will stay with me for a long time. Thank you for sharing your gift and please write another book soon.

Armando from Brisbane wrote: I’ve had the great pleasure of reading your book “25.12.74”. The book was meticulously researched and reflects your personal experience as a twelve-year-old boy living with his family in Darwin when Cyclone Tracy caused havoc, destruction, human suffering and death. The descriptive language used of the event can only be described as a monumental literary exercise, and, I believe, only made possible by your personal experience. Similarly, the descriptive language used for Brad’s chequered past, “…there were deep regrets, great sadness and long bouts of suffering,” is profoundly emotional. The compilation of this book, I believe, was an ingenious exercise. The most compelling part of reading the book was to determine which part of the book was fiction and which part was your personal experience. I couldn’t put the book down and read the second time hoping to identify what was fact and fiction; this remains your secret! I think this book is a literary example of “Australiana” and should be given a rightful place in the National Library of Australia.

AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES:

THE BOOKSHOP SMITH STREET MALL DARWIN

TOURISM TOP END VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 6 BENNETT STREET DARWIN

NIGHTCLIFF & PARAP NEWSAGENCIES DARWIN

OR ONLINE AT DARREN’S BOOKSHOP HERE

50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL 2nd EDITION

Many years ago, there lived a brave and resilient cat named Possum.

On Christmas Day 1974, Cyclone Tracy swept across Darwin, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. As the ferocious winds howled and the rains poured down, Possum found himself caught in the midst of the chaos.

With his home in tatters and the world around him in turmoil, Possum had to muster all his strength and cunning to survive. He relied on his instincts and resourcefulness to find shelter and food amidst the chaos.

This is his, almost true, untold story.

His journey is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can still be found.

AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES:

THE BOOKSHOP SMITH STREET MALL DARWIN

PARAP POST OFFICE VICKERS STREET PARAP

TOURISM TOP END VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 6 BENNETT STREET DARWIN

OR ONLINE AT DARREN’S BOOKSHOP HERE

DARREN BENNETT is also a highly respected and sought-after speaker whose presentations leave a lasting impact. He brings energy, humour and emotion to all his presentations.

In recent months, his SURVIVING CYCLONE TRACY 50TH ANNIVERSARY PRESENTATION has been successfully delivered in schools, libraries, community groups, and aged care facilities. Audience feedback has been exceptional. The presentation includes short original video clips, book readings from his new books on Cyclone Tracy, a soundscape, storytelling, tips for aspiring writers, and an opportunity to ask questions.

DARREN’S NEXT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT:

Thursday 12 December - FREE EVENT OPEN TO PUBLIC - Indooroopilly Library 5.30 pm-6.30 pm.

BOOK VIA THE QR CODE BELOW:

Some feedback:

Kenneth A. Martin AM Chief Superintendent Queensland Police Service – retired. QRPA Ipswich Branch. Sec/Treasurer: Dear Darren, Thank you for enlightening us with a brilliant and awe-inspiring account of your survival and that of your family during Cyclone Tracy. Your presentation was able to give us an insight into the resilience of people when confronted with devastation beyond belief. I have taken the liberty of referring your presentation to other branches of the QRPA.

Joanne Baines, Head of Years 5 & 6 at Alawa Primary School, Darwin: Darren (and his wife Dorothy) were engaging, interesting, energetic and enjoyable to listen to. They spoke to a group of 60 year 5/6 students for an hour. Students were engaged for the entire session, asked lots of questions, wanted to know more, asked for autographs and were keen to now buy Darren’s books. The session was delivered via (animated) stories, reading of books, watching film clips and even a soundscape. Thanks, guys; it was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Kerrie Price, Seniors Coordinator Brassall Village, Brisbane: Last Sunday, we invited speaker and author Darren Bennett and his wife Dorothy to speak at our Social Seniors Group at Brassall Village Retirement Complex. It was a wonderful experience for all who attended. Darren is an articulate and animated speaker. His story of how he and his family survived Cyclone Tracy in 1974 captivated the audience. His story was very moving, dramatic, and scary, with some funny moments thrown in.  He went on to speak about his new books 25.12.74 and Possum the Cyclone Cat. His presentation was delivered in a professional yet personable manner, which included a slideshow as well as interactions with the audience. I highly recommend Darren as an engaging and relatable speaker.

Jacinta Berger, Year 6 Teacher, Parap Primary School, Darwin: Thanks for your great energy and engaging presentation. We really appreciated you sharing your experience and linking it to what good writers do.

Student feedback:

It was really good. His story was phenomenal. Gabrielle Year 5

I learnt a lot of new things about Cyclone Tracy and how his family went through it. It was really sad that he went through that experience. Vighnesh Year 5.

His story was really interesting because it really hooked us all in. I loved the story about how his brother had a nail in his foot. Christine Year 6.

I liked how he described the experience of being in Cyclone Tracy. For those who have never experienced it before, it was a good explanation. I could picture it in my mind. Haali Year 6.

His story really engaged me and pulled me in. Even though it was something you might not want to talk about if you’ve been through it. He made something scary to talk about easy for kids to hear. Dylan Year 6.

Phill Mansfield leader of 131 Men, Brisbane: Darren’s incredible story, the books he’s penned, and the speaking engagements he’s delivered at our local men’s group have left an indelible mark on me.

MORE FROM DARREN

Channel Nine in Darwin recently did a story on the release of 25.12.74 and Possum.

Darren spoke on Territory FM and the ABC during his most recent visit to Darwin. Click on the picture to hear one of the interviews.