In response to the devastating earthquake that hit Vanuatu on December 17, 2024, the Vanuatu Australian Awardees from Melbourne and Brisbane have joined hands with the Brisbane community to support recovery efforts for affected families.
The press states that community members in Brisbane rallied together, launching a GoFundMe campaign and organizing a fundraising event on January 31, 2025, which successfully raised 600,000 VT.
These funds have been donated to HELPR-1, a health emergency response initiative, to facilitate the deployment of two Mental Health and Psychosocial Support specialists to assist earthquake survivors in Shefa Province.
Urgent Need for Mental Health Support
Dr. Basil Leodoro, Director of Operations for HELPR-1, emphasized the critical need for mental health support in affected communities.
“The support we have received for this mission, especially for mental health and psychosocial support, has been outstanding. We are grateful to the Vanuatu students, the wider Vanuatu community in Australia, and our Australian friends for making this possible,” Dr. Leodoro said.
“Many people in Port Vila and surrounding areas, including government officers, remain traumatized. If this is the situation in urban areas, we can only imagine the impact in more remote islands of Shefa Province.”
The mental health team, consisting of Mental Health Nurses John David and Dr. Kevin Bage, has already completed mental health screenings on Epi and Tongoa, reaching around 60 patients.
Community Gratitude & Ongoing Support
The Vanuatu Australian Awardees and the Brisbane community extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the fundraising efforts.
“Your support is invaluable in helping those affected by this tragic event. We will continue to update our community and supporters on the impact of these efforts.”
About HELPR-1
HELPR-1 is a Health Emergency Logistics Preparedness and Response program initiated by Respond Global in Vanuatu. The vessel strengthens disaster response capabilities across Pacific Island nations, providing logistical and operational support.
In 2022, HELPR-1 played a key role in delivering COVID-19 vaccinations to 63 inhabited islands and continues to support various health outreach programs, including the Shefa mission in early 2025.
