On December 29, A 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook Newcastle, New South Wales, leaving a trail of devastation that claimed 13 lives, injured 162 people, and caused widespread destruction. Thirty-five years later, former Lord Mayor John McNaughton, a key figure in the city’s response, warns that Newcastle may still be unprepared for a future disaster of similar magnitude.
The earthquake, lasting just six seconds, leveled buildings, toppled power lines, and brought life to a standstill. Among the hardest-hit sites was the Newcastle Workers Club, where nine people perished, and others were trapped beneath the rubble.
McNaughton, now 87, recalls the chaos vividly. “I was on our sailing boat at Tea Gardens when I felt the quake. When I got ashore, people were in shock, not realizing how devastating it was in Newcastle,” he told 9News.
He was rushed to the city in a police vehicle and found himself at the epicenter of rescue efforts at the Workers Club. One of the toughest decisions during the crisis was halting rescue operations due to the instability of a leaning brick wall threatening to collapse on emergency crews. “It was heart-wrenching to hear survivors crying for help beneath the rubble, but safety had to come first,” he said.
In the years since the earthquake, Newcastle has made strides in disaster preparedness. Local authorities have developed emergency response plans, and first responders undergo regular training. However, McNaughton stresses the need for greater community awareness, especially in schools.
He advocates for emergency protocols similar to those in US cities, where parents are instructed to avoid driving to schools during disasters to prevent traffic congestion that could hinder rescue operations. “We need to educate people on how to act to ensure help can get to those who need it,” he emphasized.
Historical records indicate Newcastle has experienced four significant earthquakes since European settlement—in 1842, 1868, 1925, and 1989. McNaughton points out that, statistically, the region is due for another.
The 1989 earthquake caused an estimated $4 billion in damage in today’s terms, affected 300,000 people, and left 1,000 homeless. Its impact was felt across an area of 200,000 square kilometers, with tremors reported as far as 800 kilometers away.
Reflecting on the disaster, McNaughton remains proud of how the community united during those dark days. “Everyone pulled together,” he said. Still, his message is clear: the lessons of the past must inform the city’s future. “Preparedness is not just about plans; it’s about educating people to act decisively when the unthinkable happens.”