Australia Supports Community Programs in Fiji

29 November 2011

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner, Ms Judith Robinson, handed over vehicles, office and communication equipment worth F$750,000 to 15 Civil Society Organisations today.

“In an environment with an ever increasing demand, these organisations offer important services which respond to needs in the community,” Ms Robinson said.

“The equipment I am handing over today, will help make the work these organizations do with communities across Fiji more effective,” Ms Robinson said.

“The equipment will strengthen work, grow networks and extend the reach and presence of the support these organizations provide to people in remote and rural communities and in the urban informal settlements.”

Ms Robinson said the Australian Aid Program, recognized the role Civil Society Organisations play in contributing to national efforts to help reduce poverty, promote peace, provide essential services and achieve sustainable development in Fiji.

“I’m happy to say that approximately F$2.5 million was allocated to 32 Civil Society Organisations,” Ms Robinson said. “The Government of Australia is pleased to support organizations that contribute to development, through improved service delivery for women, children, vulnerable and marginalised groups.

Civil Society Organisations represented at the hand-over today included the Citizens Constitutional Forum, the Community Support Network, Ekta Hindu Samaj, Fiji Cancer Society – Suva, Fiji Cancer Society – West, Home of Compassion, Live and Learn, Medical Services Pacific, the National Council of Women, Nature Fiji, Partners in Community Development Fiji, School Management Association of Fiji, The Good Neighbour International (Fiji), Saraswati Mandali Ramayan and Transparency International (Fiji).

**ENDS**