When Major Mikaele Dreu was chosen by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to be part of a deployment here to help with cyclone rehabilitation works, he never hesitated.

Major Dreu from Sawakasa Village, Tailevu, is one of the eight members of the ADF who are here to carry out rehabilitation works on schools in Bua, Vanua Levu, starting tomorrow.

The members of the force were welcomed during a church service yesterday, hosted by the Tamavua Village Methodist Church.

Major Dreu said it was good to be back home, with a purpose of rebuilding the lives of fellow Fijians who were affected by the recent cyclones.

“Fiji has always been home because this is where I was born and grew up. And I give all the credit to the ADF for allowing me to come back home and help,” he said.

“To be part of the team and make life easier for them, it is also very much part of strengthening the ‘Vuvale Partnership’ that we have.

“It feels good to be back home and help the country rebuild from the impacts of tropical cyclones that have devastated families in a massive way.”

The group left Australia on March 6 and completed their 14-day quarantine period, in compliance with the country’s COVID-19 safety measures.

Major Dreu served in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces for 16 years before he moved to Australia in 2006 to join the Australian Defence Force. He was also the head boy for Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) in 1987.

“I was educated in Namena District School in my primary years and then I went on to Ratu Kadavulevu School,” he said.

“I grew up in Namena Village, Tailevu, because dad was a teacher there for a good number of years. And that is where I spent most of my childhood.”

His wife and three children, two boys and one daughter, are in Australia.

Major Dreu added he was always a frequent visitor to the country and was glad to be back home this time to help rebuild the lives of Fijians affected by the cyclones.

The ADF team leaves tomorrow for Bua.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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