Special attention for white cross monument, during clean up at Pangaimotu [1]
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 - 20:53
A Pangaimotu Island monument was cleaned up by a work party from HMAS Adelaide during a small islands clean-up operation, following the devasting tsunamis and ash fall from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption on January 15.
The ship’s crew and embarked Army forces carried out general clearing tasks on Pangaimotu Island last week.
A white cross on the island marks the site first Catholic mass held in Tonga on July 2, 1842.
Navy padre Chaplain Kate Lord said a dozen Navy and Army personnel scrubbed the cross clean and cut back overgrown vegetation around it.
She said the cross was covered in black dirt, sand and ash since the tsunami last month, and the vegetation was obscuring the view.
“It was lovely to see everyone pulling together, picking up a broom, spade or saw. Hopefully, when the sun shines on it, it can be seen from the main island and inspire the people in their faith.”
The ADF team also cleaned a thick rope decorating a low wall around the monument.
“Christian faith is very important to the people of Tonga."
Tongan-born Sergeant 'Alefosio Kakala said rehabilitating the monument also meant a lot to him.
“Coming from a Catholic background, the Pangiamotu cross has a special place in my heart."
Navy sailor Petty Officer Jacob Machen who led the clean-up team said it was a rewarding task.
"It was unfortunate what happened to Tonga but hopefully we can give a little back to the people by lending a hand with recovery operations.”
The ADF is deployed on Operation Tonga Assist 2022 as part of the Australian Government's support to the Tongan Government following the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano. Tsunami damage on 'Atata island and village was also cleaned up during the operation, and heavy equipment landed from the Adelaide helped in the recovery of beach sand.