Wind gusts reached up to 240 kilometres an hour causing one and a half billion dollars’ worth of damage.
The small town of Silkwood was hit hard, with 99 per cent of homes affected
One industry in particular was devastated.
Up to 90 per cent of Australia's banana crops were wiped out.
The price per kilo soon went as high as ten dollars.
Banana smoothies were taken off the menu in cafes, as the banana went from morning tea snack to a status symbol of wealth.
The disaster helped to show the important role regional Australia plays to the economy.
Discover more at sbs.com.au/sbs50
