Australia commends Fijian soldiers

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama (front second from left),  Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes, Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu and military commander Rear-Admiral Viliame Naupoto with the Bula Force in Suva on Monday. Picture: SUPPLIED/Australia High Commission in Fiji

By SHELDON CHANEL

Fijian soldiers deployed to Australia to fight the devastating bushfires in January have been recognised for their ‘heroism, friendship and loyalty’.

The 54 soldiers were presented with the Australian Chief of Defence Force Commendation Medal during a special ceremony hosted by the Australian High Commissioner, John Feakes, in Suva on Monday.

Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu, and military commander Rear-Admiral Viliame Naupoto were also in attendance at the High Commission.

Citing Fiji and Australia’s ‘Vuvale’ co-operation agreement signed in 2019, Mr Feakes thanked the Fijian soldiers for their contribution against the fires.

The ‘Bula Force’ spent five weeks in the East Gippsland region of Victoria, opening river estuaries, building bridges and clearing over 170 kilometres of fire affected roads. 

The historic occasion marked the first time Fijian soldiers had been deployed on Australian soil. 

“Barely months after the Vulvale Partnership was inked, Fiji demonstrated its commitment to the agreement,” said High Commissioner Feakes.

“For our part, we stand ready to reciprocate Fiji’s commitment to the relationship. When Fiji was hit by COVID-19 and Cyclone Harold in March and April this year, Australia was proud to respond with health and humanitarian supplies, including budget support,” he added.

Thirty-three people died in the fires, which burned through over 18 million hectares, destroying more than 5,900 buildings, including over 2,800 homes, according to Australian media reports.

Fijian soldiers were part of a broader Pacific response to the crisis, caused AU$110 billion in economic loss.   

Papua New Guinea deployed 99 soldiers to the Victorian town of Omeo, while Vanuatu pledged US$250,000 in cash support. 

There are stories in the Australian press of Fiji and PNG soldiers lifting the spirits of local communities through song and dance, in addition to supporting recovery efforts with the Australian Defence Force.    

*Sheldon Chanel is the Training Editor of the USP journalism student publication, Wansolwara.