Photos provided by Deputy Mayor Faye Whelan

Relief aid from the people Mundubbera, a town in Queensland was distributed to affected families in various villages throughout Tongatapu.

The town's Deputy Mayor Faye Whelan, who visited Tonga with a team, said they shipped over three large crates containing food, hygiene supplies, clothing, first aid supplies, school resources and household items.

Faye said they could not have achieved their aid mission in Tonga if they did not have the support of Mundubbera Pacific Seasonal Workers who had returned home.

They helped with unpacking the crates and packed 190 food bags for 190 families, and helped distribute all the aid to the villages of Nukuleka, Popua and Patangata who were identified as some of the worst hit during Cyclone Gita, she said.

Medical supplies were donated to Vaiola Hospital, as well as cash to schools and kindergartens for extra resources.

"We also ensured that we had sufficient supply of lollies to make sure every child in the communities and schools we visited, didn’t miss out. In times of need, I understand it’s nice to have a treat during stressful times."

Faye said there are 20 Tongan families living permanently in their town, located in a large agricultural producing area and host to a large number of Tongan Pacific Seasonal Workers.  

"During two very large flood events Mundubbera had water in many homes with some completely covered. Our local Tongan community and PSW helped evacuate the homes of people and furniture to higher ground and also helped with the clean up when the water subsided. So when Gita hit Tonga the community wanted to reciprocate because they helped us in our time of need and now they suffered much damage by images relayed to us through family members in Tonga," she said.

Prime Minister, Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva, who met the Deputy Mayor, thanked the people of Mundubbera.

“I deeply appreciate your leadership Councillor Whelan in getting the people of Mundubbera to donate money towards the purchase of the relief and humanitarian supplies that you have brought to distribute amongst our people.”

The distribution was carried out from July 31 to August 7.