Repairing erosion firms Pacific bonds

ADF personnel deployed to Operation Lilia have joined Solomon Islands locals to repair coastal erosion at the front of the Alligator Creek Seventh Day Adventist Church.

CAPTION: Members of the Solomons International Assistance Force work with the Alligator Creek community to repair coastal erosion at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Alligator Creek, Solomon Islands.

Men, women and children moved gravel to the beach edge where tyre barriers were constructed in an effort to reinforce the ground and protect the shoreline.

ADF and New Zealand Defence Force members of the Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF) provided the additional labour and equipment needed to complete the difficult task.

CAPTION:Australian Army Sergeant Mellissa Madden with children from Alligator Creek during the working bee at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Alligator Creek.

Australian Army Sergeant Mellissa Madden said the SIAF team were happy to help.

“This was a great opportunity for the contingent to assist the Alligator Creek community in a meaningful way,” Sergeant Madden said.

The women of the church group thanked them by preparing a lunch, sharing in traditional customs and local food.

The repairs were just one of the many engagement activities – such as weekly women’s health forums – conducted with the Alligator Creek community.

Pastor Nelson Rooney was part of the working bee and said the large turnout was a testament to the strong relationships built with residents.

“Many more of the community members came to help today because they had heard the Australian Army was coming. They wanted to show up too. It was very good,” Pastor Rooney said.

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