The Australian Government has announced that it will provide an additional AUD$10 million to assist in the relief efforts after Tropical Cyclone Winston.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said this contribution builds on earlier assistance which delivered lifesaving support to people across the country within 48 hours of the cyclone.
Bishop said Australia will allocate a further AUD$10 million to provide food, clean water, hygiene, and shelter to communities recovering from the cyclone.
She said Australia will work closely with Fijian authorities to make urgent repairs to schools, medical clinics, and basic infrastructure.
Bishop said the Australian Government will also provide further support to respond to urgent health needs of the Fijian people.
They are sending a further 16 medical professionals to supplement the six person Australian medical team already working with Fijian health officials.
Bishop said this new package of support brings the Australian Government’s assistance for Fiji to AUD$15 million or FJD$22.8 million.
Funding is complemented by the ongoing work of the Australian Defence Force with the HMAS Canberra, Australia’s largest navy vessel, scheduled to arrive in Fiji within the next 24 hours.
Bishop said Australia is the largest contributor to the international relief effort, and they stand ready to provide further assistance to support the people of Fiji should it be required.
