Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence - Joint media release - Australian support for Fiji continues

Today we announce that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) deployment to Fiji under Operation Fiji Assist will transition to a new phase. Australia will continue to assist Fiji as it moves from response to recovery in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Australia’s largest naval vessel, HMAS Canberra, has successfully completed its first operational deployment and will depart Fiji today. Australian Defence Force command and engineering personnel, vehicles and helicopters will remain in Fiji to conduct assessment activities and deliver assistance.

Defence force personnel removed debris, restored critical infrastructure, supplied fresh drinking water and delivered lifesaving supplies to the islands of Koro and Taveuni.

More than 1,000 Australian Defence Force and humanitarian personnel have deployed, providing critical assistance, including:

• delivering over 341 tonnes of humanitarian disaster relief stores;
• supplying 30,000 litres of drinking water;
• delivering nearly 10,000 hygiene kits and over 7,000 shelter kits; and
• repairing seven primary schools, one high school and two medical centres.

Australia has committed $15 million in humanitarian assistance to Fiji’s recovery, providing life-saving supplies and access to health services to 200,000 people.

The Australian Defence Force will continue to work with the National Disaster Management Office and in support of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to help Fiji recover from this disaster. 

We remain committed to supporting Fiji’s recovery and assisting our friends and neighbours in times of crisis.

Media note:

Imagery is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20160321

Media Contacts:

Foreign Minister’s Office:                                 Rachel Obradovic 0478 488 874

Defence Minister’s Office:                                Henry Budd 0429 531 143