Tropical Cyclone Marcus struck Australia's Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia in March 2018. It was the strongest tropical cyclone to hit Darwin since Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve of 1974. Cyclone Marcus caused an estimated total of A$97.46 million (US$75 million) in damages.
In February 2020, members of the Darwin Branch (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (diocese) participated in a community tree planting service project to beautify local parks that had been damaged in the cyclone. Responding to the call to serve and in spirit of the “Come and Help” month, more than twenty local church members partnered with the local municipal council to plant 38 trees in a local coastal park.
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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Adorned in their yellow vests, the members and local council workers dug holes, planted, fertilised and mulched trees, erected protective stakes, and set irrigation lines. The new trees were a welcomed addition to the community.
The Darwin City Council praised participants for their assistance and willingness to get involved and help improve the community. Local Church leader Joseph Kuhn remarked, “It was great to see people of all ages come and help at the community tree planting service project. The trees immediately improved the amenity of the park and will continue to provide long-term benefits to the community for years to come.”