As Cyclone Fina intensifies, the Top End is bracing for impact, and the ripple effects are already being felt across the community. But here's where it gets controversial: while safety is paramount, the cancellation of events and the rush on supplies have sparked debates about preparedness versus panic.
UPDATE, Thursday, November 20, 3.30pm: The storm’s growing strength has forced the cancellation of several high-profile events in Darwin. The Palmerston and Regional Basketball Association has called off its games, and Don’t Dream It Productions has canceled the final two performances of The Rocky Horror Show. In a heartfelt statement, the production company expressed their disappointment, citing cast availability and scheduling conflicts as reasons why rescheduling wasn’t possible. Ticket holders will receive full refunds, but the cancellation has left fans and performers alike feeling let down. And this is the part most people miss: the economic impact on local businesses and artists, who rely on these events for income, is significant.
The Victorian State Ballet’s Swan Lake, originally scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the AANT Centre, has been postponed until February 2026. Darwin Rugby Union clubs also made the unanimous decision to cancel their round before a Cyclone Warning was issued, prioritizing safety over competition. Junior semi-finals and the final round of the home and away season for seniors are now on hold, leaving players and fans in limbo.
The Palmerston and Regional Basketball Association (PaRBA) has canceled all weekend activities at the Palmerston Recreation Centre due to weather uncertainty. Similarly, NTFL and Darwin Basketball matches will proceed during a Cyclone Watch but will be canceled if a warning is issued. Tennis NT has also canceled this week’s Territory Junior League, emphasizing the need to prepare facilities and give families time to secure their homes. But is this overcautious, or the right call? Some argue that canceling events too early could lead to unnecessary disruption, while others believe it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Even mobile voting services in West Arnhem have been canceled, affecting make-up elections for the West Arnhem Regional Council and Litchfield Council. The NT Electoral Commission has axed remote polling in Kakadu National Park and Jabiru, with a revised schedule expected next week. This raises questions about the fairness of disrupting democratic processes due to weather events—is it a necessary precaution or an overreaction?
Meanwhile, in Darwin’s CBD, supermarkets are feeling the strain. Shelves at Coles and Woolworths are emptying, with essentials like water, baked beans, eggs, and toilet paper in high demand. Woolworths has urged customers to buy only what they need, while Coles assures the public that extra deliveries are on the way. But is this a case of responsible preparedness or panic buying? And who’s to blame if shortages occur?
For some, like BCF shopper Tim Hewitt, Cyclone Fina will be their first experience with such a storm. Hewitt, who arrived after ex-tropical cyclone Marcus, is taking precautions but remains curious rather than scared. Others, like Susan Daly, are stocking up on essentials like rechargeable misting fans and butane gas canisters. But are these measures enough, or are we underestimating the storm’s potential impact?
At Bunnings, torches sold out quickly, while Supercheap Auto has seen a surge in purchases of generators, gas canisters, and jerry cans. Smaller outdoor stores are also bustling as shoppers seek supplies. But is this level of preparation justified, or are we fueling a cycle of fear and overconsumption?
Sporting events are in flux, with matches set to be abandoned if a cyclone warning is issued. The AFLNT is monitoring the situation closely, with rules in place to handle disruptions. If a match is stopped before halftime, it’s deemed a washout; after halftime, the scores at the time of abandonment stand. But what about the athletes and fans who’ve trained and planned for these events? Is canceling them the fairest option?
Air travelers are also on edge, with Airport Development Group warning of potential flight changes. Passengers are advised to monitor weather updates and check with their airlines. But with the storm’s path still uncertain, how much notice will travelers get, and is it fair to leave them in limbo?
As residents take “immediate action” ahead of Fina’s arrival, the question remains: are we overreacting, or is this the new normal in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather? What do you think? Are these cancellations and preparations necessary, or have we gone too far? Let’s discuss in the comments.
