Photos by Julian Layt

Hon. Glen Elmes MP at a Tongan prayer service in Brisbane for victims of Cyclone Ian.

The Queensland Government has announced a donation of $50,000 (AUD) to help victims of Cyclone Ian.

Australia’s Minister for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander & Multicultural Affairs, Glen Elmes  announced the donation today at a Tongan Prayer service for victims in Brisbane.

“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” said Elmes.

“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.

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

“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.”

Tongan prayer service in Brisbane today for victims of Cyclone Ian.