Fiji and Australia have deepened their partnership by launching a new $7 million phase of the Disaster Resilience Program, which focuses on enhancing disaster preparedness and ensuring faster, more inclusive, and effective humanitarian responses throughout Fiji at both national and community levels.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka and Australian Deputy High Commissioner Clair McNamara officially launched this new phase of the program in Levuka.
They also handed over emergency humanitarian relief supplies that will be strategically placed in Levuka to aid disaster response across the Lomaiviti Group.
Ditoka expressed gratitude for Australia’s ongoing support in Fiji’s disaster risk management and stressed the critical role of this partnership in boosting the country’s readiness to respond to disasters.
He says placing relief supplies in advance goes beyond mere logistics – it is a proactive approach that improves emergency readiness and reduces delays in providing essential assistance.
Deputy High Commissioner McNamara described the program’s new phase as a significant demonstration of Australia’s commitment to building resilience in Fiji.
He highlighted that the program, running from this year until 2029, reflects Australia’s dedication to collaborating with the Fijian government to strengthen preparedness and deliver effective humanitarian responses.
McNamara further says that this initiative embodies the promises made under the renewed and strengthened Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership.
