HMAS Canberra returned to Suva to conduct a resupply of essential aid and construction equipment intended for cyclone-ravaged Taveuni and Koro Island.

Twenty pallets of humanitarian aid were loaded onto landing crafts and amphibious transport vehicles to be embarked on the ship, including water, hygiene kits and construction materials; adding to the 130 tonnes of disaster relief stores already delivered to affected communities by HMAS Canberra.

Since her arrival on March 1, HMAS Canberra has been stationed off Koro Island where Australian Defence Force personnel have been working with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Government officials and local villagers to help rebuild local communities with the repair of key infrastructure and clearance of debris.

With the ship now resupplied, it was set to help on Taveuni too where the ship’s engineering and amphibious assets will continue to be used to provide initial disaster assistance to help the local communities get back on their feet.

Interest continues in the Australian whole-of-government humanitarian assistance and disaster relief work being carried out in Fiji, with a visit from the leader of a nearby Pacific nation.