General Campbell Lauds RFMF Engineers’ Work in Australia Bushfire Rehabilitation
The wonderful contribution from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces engineers contingent shows an important expression of the relationship between Australia and Fiji.
The compliments came from the Chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), General Angus Campbell, during his visit to the Blackrock Camp with Air Marshall Kevin Short, Chief of Defence Force (CDF) of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
Both CDF’s are being accompanied by their respective wives, military advisors and Aid de Camps.
The purpose of General Campbell’s visit to Blackrock is to get an update on the progress of construction works at the military base in Nadi.
“The progress of the construction here is fantastic and it is a great facility for Fiji and the South Pacific,” General Campbell said.
His visit was also an invitation from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto, to address the personnel who are attending Pre Deployment Training (PDT) for the Multinational Force and Observers.
General Campbell praised the Fijian engineers who have worked tirelessly in clearing roads and lifting the morale of the community with their evening songs in Gippsland, Victoria.
“The vuvale partnership is really an important expression of the relationship between the two nations. Indeed the relationship across the community of the Pacific Island, New Zealand and Australia,” he said.
“No better expression of that than to see Fijian engineers deployed to assist us in our bushfires. They were working very hard in Victoria in the high mountain country.
“They are clearing the road to make them safe for the community. And in the evening they bring out their guitars and lift the morale in the community. It is a wonderful contribution and no one else could do this. The partnership is never intended to be one way, it always two ways,” the General added. He acknowledged the Prime Minister of Fiji, Mr Naupoto and the people for willingly open their hearts to deploy engineers and raise money for people affected by the bush fire crisis.