The Australian Defence Force paid special tribute to people who stood by them as they carried out rehabilitation works in areas hit by Tropical Cyclone Winston around the country.

At a cocktail hosted by Fiji Australia Business Council at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Wednesday, Commander Joint Task Force, Lt.Colonel Scott Hill paid special tribute to those who supported them in practical ways during their time in Fiji.

He thanked Wanisa from Bulacino who had supplied the troops with food and Vincent Kumar from Airports Fiji Limited who had helped ensure aircraft access at Nausori  International Airport and Joji Washington from Pacific Energy who ensured the aircrafts had fuel, no matter what time of day or night.

The cocktail was attended by Minister for Natural Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu, Australian High Commissioner, Margaret Twomey, Fiji Australia Business Council president  Viliame Leqa, members of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces and the Australian Defence Force.

“I was struck by the resilience of the Fijian people and on Tuesday I travelled to Koro with President Jioji Konrote where we were greeted by smiling children who were back in the classrooms that ADF and RFMF was able to repair,” he said.

Australian High Commissioner Mrs Twomey said they responded quickly after Tropical Cyclone Winston struck Fiji.

“The ADF landed less than 36 hours after the cyclone had passed; an incredible relief to see the first C17 landing at Nausori International Airport loaded with humanitarian supplies.

“Since that day the work that ADF has done alongside RFMF demonstrated the depth of Australia’s support through this disaster.

“Fiji has now shifted to a recovery phase; Australia remains by Fiji’s side and will continue to work with the Government to help the country get back on its feet,” she said.

Around 200 ADF personnel have remained in Fiji to continue working alongside the Republic of Fiji Military Forces on rebuilding projects in consultation with the National Disaster Management Office.”

Australian Army Engineers have carried out over 340 assessments of infrastructure, working closely with the NDMO and the RFMF to gauge the level of damage to important infrastructure and plan the repairs.

Emergency repairs have been carried out at nine schools, three medical centres, five community centres and four churches.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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