Queensland assists Tongan cyclone relief

Published Thursday, 16 January, 2014 at 08:15 AM

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs and Minister Assisting the Premier
The Honourable Glen Elmes

The Queensland Government will donate $50,000 to help victims of Cyclone Ian, which hit the Pacific nation of Tonga this week.

 

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes said Queensland would provide the financial support directly to the Tongan Government to assist in the re-building effort.

 

Mr Elmes announced the donation – which matches the Australian Government donation - when attending a Tongan prayer service for cyclone victims today at Redcliffe, one of two areas in Brisbane where there is a significant Tongan population. The other is Logan.

 

“The emergency assistance recognises the severe destruction caused by the storm on housing, infrastructure and vegetation, and the need to rebuild as soon as possible as part of the recovery process,” Mr Elmes said.

 

“My thoughts and those of all Queenslanders are with the people of Tonga, and with our friends and neighbours from Queensland’s Tongan community who are concerned about loved ones.

 

“Queenslanders understand more than most the effect a large scale natural disaster can have on a community, and we hope this financial contribution provides some assistance.

 

“We have strong links to Tonga, with around 1,600 Queenslanders born in Tonga, and more than 5,000 having Tongan ancestry.

 

“We wish the Tongan community a speedy recovery from this natural disaster.

 

“As Pacific Ocean neighbours, we empathise when any of the many island nations suffer the impact of a natural disaster.

 

“We are all part of the South Pacific; all friends who depend on each other and benefit from each other’s culture and lifestyle.”

 

Advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is that anyone concerned about the welfare of family and friends in Tonga should first attempt to contact them directly, noting that communications may be limited.

 

If unable to make contact, please contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135.

 

[ENDS] 16 January 2014

 

Media Contact:          Peter McCarthy (0408) 835 548