Five fire trucks donated by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) were presented today to the PNG Fire Service (PNGFS) to boost their local firefighting efforts.
The five refurbished vehicles are equipped to carry 1800 litres of firefighting water and are provided with a comprehensive inventory of firefighting equipment, making these trucks valuable assets to the PNGFS.
The donation of these fire trucks would not have been possible without the Australian Defence Force, who provided the naval capability of HMAS Choules to transport the trucks to Port Moresby on 19 February.
The Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp presented the trucks to the Minister for Defence, the Hon Solan Mirisim. The delivery represents the continuation of PNG and Australia’s close work together, deepening our strong and long-standing partnership.
Alongside the trucks, the PNGFS received more than 150 sets of ex-service firefighting protective clothing for use in structural and bushfire situations and 16 sets of breathing apparatus.
This donation was supported by the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership through a funding grant of $55,000AUD (approx K153,000) provided to QFES to purchase the breathing apparatus and cylinders. This equipment is a critical part of firefighting operations, allowing firefighters to enter smoke-filled buildings to rescue people and fight fires at their origin.
Through this donation, Australia hopes to give back in the spirit of friendship and generosity that exists between the two countries.
During Australia’s bushfires last year, Operation Helpim Wantok saw PNG contribute a deployment of 100 PNGDF personnel, including the first women to be deployed by the PNG Defence Force – to help protect Australian families and support recovery efforts.
“It was at this time last year that Papua New Guinea was offering its own support during Australia’s bushfires under Operation Helpim Wantok. Australia is proud to reciprocate this support with these five fire trucks, reflecting the depth of our shared partnership,” said High Commissioner Jon Philp.
“Australia understands all too well the threat of fire and the value of a strong and valued friend like PNG in times of need. Australia and Papua New Guinea are stronger together.”
-Press Release-
