AUSTRALIA REMEMBERS THE BULA FORCE ONE YEAR ON

THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE BULA FORCE WAS A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT OF THE VUVALE PARTNERSHIP ‘Today we remember Fiji’s willingness to help when we were in need. It will not be forgotten.’

One year ago to the day, in the midst of Australia’s black summer fires, the Fijian Government deployed the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ ‘Bula Force’ to fire-ravaged areas in Australia to assist the Australian Defence Force with recovery efforts and to help bring back a sense of community and family to the people of Australia.

The deployment of the Bula Force was a demonstration of the spirit of the Vuvale Partnership.

It signalled that Fiji and Australia are more than just Pacific neighbours and partners. We are vuvale. Vuvale goes beyond politics and diplomacy, it is something much deeper.

It reflects our shared character and values and determination to help each other in times of need.

Australians will never forget Fiji’s willingness to support those affected by the bushfires in their time of need.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes says “Fiji and Australia are deeply connected; we are there for each other when things are great and when things get tough. Today we remember Fiji’s willingness to help when we were in need. It will not be forgotten”.

Today, the Commanding Officer of Bula Force, Major Ieli Hiagi, is once again working in partnership with Australians. This time, on Galoa Island, where RFMF and Army engineers from HMAS Adelaide have rebuilt Galoa Primary school which was severely damaged by TC Yasa.

The finished school will today be handed back to the Ministry of Education, allowing students to be back in their classrooms in time for the school year.

The arrival of HMAS Adelaide and Australia’s swift response to assist Fiji following TC Yasa marked another milestone in the Fiji-Australia partnership.

The hundreds of men and women of the Adelaide received their call up only days out from Christmas.

Yet, just like the Bula Force they stepped up and responded for the benefit of their

Photo: Australian High Commission Photo: Australian High Commission Republic of Fiji Military Forces officer Major Ieli Hiagi fist-bumps Orbost local Malcolm Morrison after receiving a letter thanking him for the RFMF’s efforts as part of Operation Bushfire Assist during a farewell ceremony held at Orbost football club. Republic of Fiji Military Forces engineers and Australian Army Sapper David Benedetti, help repair Galoa Primary School.

Photo: Australian High Commission The Commander of Joint Task Force 646, Brigadier Matt Burr and Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto with Fijian and Australian soldiers based in Orbost, Victoria during Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20.

Photo: Australian High Commission From left: Australian Army solider Sapper Thomas Carruthers and Republic of Fiji Military Forces engineers Nathan Sitima and Matavudi clear a landing zone for a MRH-90 Taipan Multi Role Helicopter to drop building materials for Galoa Primary School.