Tongan community launches fundraiser to support rebuild and recovery from volcanic eruption

While aid has helped alleviate some of the most immediate concerns and communication lines are being replaced after being severed, the next step is rebuilding the Pacific nation.

The Kingdom of Tonga's High Commission in Australia has started a fundraising campaign to help repair the damage caused by the volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami.

In some places people have lost their homes, roads have been damaged, tourist resorts left with concrete foundations and crops have been coated with volcanic ash.

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President of the Griffith Tongan community Litia Kosi said people had been asking how they could help.

Mrs Kosi said the community wanted to bring combine their efforts with others to help rebuild their nation.

"We appreciate their kindness, concern and willingness to help," she said.

"We wanted to have a major fundraiser and we wanted to co-ordinate with the High Commission."

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While an international relief is arriving, including the HMAS Adelaide arriving last week, Mrs Kosi said there was still no communication with some of the outlying islands of Ha'apai.

"Homes, roads even resorts which welcome tourists have been destroyed," Reverend Poasi Moala said.

"Just a cement foundation is all that's left."

Reverend Moala said it was expected the recovery would need a lot of money.

He said working with the High Commission on a fundraiser would make it easier to ensure any money raised has an impact on the entire country.

"We want to see the support targeted and we want to see the entire country and community recover," he said.

"It will take a long time to recover."

Reverend Moala said recent rainfall meant green sprouts emerging from the volcanic ash.

Mrs Kosi said anyone who wanted to support the recovery could donate to a bank account started by the Tongan High Commission.

Multicultural Council of Griffith president Carmel La Rocca said the Tonga community were an important part of Griffith's community.

"We're appreciative of concern shown by the community for Tonga and its people," Mrs La Rocca said.

"Anyone who wants to donate financially is able to do so through the (Tongan) High Commission.

"The Tongan community play a big role in Griffith's agricultural and manufacturing industries."

People wishing to donate to the appeal can do so through the Fakalikutonga Relief Fund, BSB 032-713, account number 537859.

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