Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) worked together to deliver critical humanitarian assistance to communities across PNG following Tropical Cyclone Maila last month.

Tropical Cyclone Maila brought destructive winds and severe weather, causing widespread damage, disrupting essential services and affecting communities across the region.

In response to requests from the Government of PNG and the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the ADF activated aircraft and personnel to deliver immediate assistance as part of whole-of-Australian-Government support. 

They delivered more than 45 tonnes of critical humanitarian assistance stores, provided by Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States over two weeks, including essential items such as food, tarpaulins, blankets, shelters, hygiene kits, mosquito bed nets, water containers and solar lights to support displaced communities. The Royal New Zealand Air Force also delivered Australian stores to affected areas.

Australia’s Joint Force Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Peter Robinson, said ADF personnel also worked alongside the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) to conduct damage assessments in Milne Bay Province.

“These assessments were critical in identifying priority areas and ensuring humanitarian support was directed where it would have the greatest impact,” Air Commodore Robinson said. 

“In times of crisis, Pacific partners are there for each other. Our ability to work together to provide a rapid response to Tropical Cyclone Maila reflects the strength of our enduring partnership with PNG.”

Additionally, the aircraft and personnel were already deployed to PNG under the Defence Cooperation Program and the Defence Pacific Air Program.

“Utilising personnel and aircraft already working side by side with the PNGDF in the region allowed us to respond swiftly and efficiently,” Air Commodore Robinson said.

“Speed matters in humanitarian operations, and timely delivery can be the difference between hardship and recovery.”

Australia’s assistance following Tropical Cyclone Maila was the latest chapter in a long history of standing shoulder to shoulder with Pacific partners when disaster strikes.

ADF support to PNG concluded on April 29.