Blind Magic in Alice Springs: Surviving the October Tempest

Join host Murray Stewart for Episode 1686, "Blind Magic in Alice Springs," as he recounts the dramatic storm that hit Central Australia on Monday, 12 October 2026. In this episode Murray shares a first-person account of the violent winds and flooding that uprooted thousands of trees, caused widespread damage across Alice Springs, and left around 9,000 consumers without power.Murray describes the immediate impacts — fallen trees, damaged roofs, and communities forced to cope without electricity for days — and reflects on personal losses, including power surges that destroyed household electronics. He also turns to co-host/producer Gin for on-air confirmation as they close the episode together.The episode outlines the local and national emergency response: crews from power, water and emergency services working around the clock, roads and homes being repaired, and Alice Springs officially declared a natural disaster zone. Murray explains the financial relief available to affected residents, including repair assistance (up to the announced thresholds of around $15,000–$20,000) and a special payment of up to $400 for households without power for more than 72 hours to offset spoiled food and immediate needs.Listeners will also hear practical safety advice about downed power lines and fallen trees — a warning to avoid moving debris that may be live and to wait for trained responders — plus Murray’s reflections on gratitude and resilience. He emphasizes the strength of Australia’s safety nets, the speed of community support, and why maintaining perspective and thankfulness helped him through the disruption.Expect a mix of on-the-ground reporting, personal storytelling, public-service information, and a hopeful closing note about community recovery and resilience in the face of extreme weather.