AUSTRALIA’s newly-elected Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Concetta Fierravant-Wells, visited Vatukacevaceva Village School in Ra, which sustained infrastructural damage during Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

She also visited the Vaileka Municipal Market where thousands of villagers and residents from across the province make their living.

The market suffered substantial damage during the cyclone.

Senator Fierravant-Wells aligned her visit with World Humanitarian Day, highlighting the devastating impact of Severe TC Winston on the country and the flood of assistance that followed.

She said the Australian Government sympathised with Fijians after seeing the images of devastation.

“Seeing such a tragedy up close, our sympathies went out to all who lost their family members, property and livelihoods,” she said.

“Today is World Humanitarian Day on which we recognise those who face danger and adversities in order to help others particularly after natural disasters like Winston.

“Standing here, I know, I stand among a people who showed great courage, resilience and great strength in helping others to survive and recover form adversity.”

She said she was proud that Australia was among the first countries to assist Fiji in its recovery efforts after Severe TC Winston’s aftermath.

“Australia’s commitment to Fiji’s reconstruction is around $F53 million or around $A35 million.”

Senator Fierravant-Wells returned to Australia yesterday afternoon.