The 54 officers from the RFMF, Navy and the National Fire Authority who were part of the Bula Force that assisted Australian communities during the bushfire crisis earlier this year have been given the Australian Chief of Defence Force Commendation Medal.
The Commendation Award is given to defence personnel for outstanding or exceptional achievement, or specific acts of bravery.
They spent 6 weeks in Australia and helped open almost 170km of road, cleared blocked rivers and restored fences in Orbost Town.
Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, Minister For Defence, National Security and Policing Inia Seruiratu and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Viliame Naupoto were present at the ceremony.
Navy Ordinary Seaman Epeli Bale says this was not normal for them and it was a new environment for the officers since they are not familiar to bushfires in Fiji.
Bale adds they have been in touch with families from the community who are eagerly awaiting to come to Fiji.
Australian Chief of Defence Force General Angus Campbell, in a video message says Bula Force's contribution to Operation Bushfire Assist marked a momentous occasion as it was the first time Fiji’s Military Force deployed troops to Australia.
He adds the soldiers of the Bula Force may have arrived as strangers but to the communities of Australia, they left as family.
Campbell adds Australia is deeply grateful to Fiji’s contribution to recovery efforts during the devastating 2020 bushfire season.
Meanwhile, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes says barely months after the Vuvale Partnership signed between the leaders of the country, Fiji demonstrated its commitment to the engagement and the deployment of the Bula Force was a demonstration of the spirit of this partnership.
Feakes adds they know the economic impact of COVID-19 on both the countries will be severe and just as Fiji stood with Australia in their Black Summer, Australia will stand by with Fiji now and in the future because they know that they are stronger when they stand together.
34 people lost their lives in the bushfire, while millions of hectares, thousands of homes and millions of wildlife were destroyed.
