After lending a helping hand in the Victorian town of Omeo during the summer's bushfire crisis, PNG troops are preparing to head home.
The PNG troops were also invited to attend a farewell service at the local church, filling the pews for the first time in decades, Omeo resident Leonie Pendergast said.
"I think our feeling after [the troops] leave Omeo is going to be one of very sincere reverence for the wonderful job [they] have done," she said.Pacific deployment amid calls for climate action Although Pacific nations regularly deploy to Australia for training and exercises, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said this was"the first time in recent history support on a large scale by Pacific countries has been provided to Australia in times of a natural disaster".
"The level of support provided to the current bushfire crisis in Australia by our Pacific neighbours is unprecedented," they said.Fiji and Indonesia have also sent military engineers to assist, while Vanuatu pledged almost $250,000 to help bushfire victims. Fiji's Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, was quick to offer prayers in solidarity with Australia, but
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