DESPITE the heartbreak caused by the Australia bushfires, support from countries such as Fiji has helped the nation pick up after the devastation.
Speaking during the Fiji 4 Australia concert at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva yesterday, Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes thanked those who turned up for the event and contributed towards assisting victims of the bushfires.
“So far 32 people have lost their lives, including three airmen from the US who died in a place crash on Thursday and they sadly join six of our firefighter volunteers who have died already,” said Mr Feakes.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. Millions of animals have been lost and around 10 million hectares of Australia have been burnt out with over 3000 homes lost while the number is expected to increase as assessment continues.
“We want to thank the Government of Fiji for deploying your army to Australia and they are doing God’s work in Victoria, helping reopen highways and helping communities get back on their feet and for that we are thankful.
“We have been inundated with help from communities and all sectors of society in Fiji and with your prayers and support Australia will recover.”
Mr Feakes said, “You do not get through these times alone. These are times when you need family and Fiji has shown that we are indeed vuvale.”
Speaking on behalf of the event’s organising committee, Fiji Performing Rights Association’s board member Laisa Vulakoro said the turnout to the event was awesome.
“Even though we do not have a lot, we are happy to pitch in as a community and musicians to give to the people of Australia,” Vulakoro said.
