Australia is providing further urgent humanitarian assistance to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) following the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Maila.
A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft has delivered essential food supplies to support communities in Bougainville whose local food sources and supply chains have been severely disrupted. This critical delivery includes 2.5 tonnes of food and humanitarian supplies.
This support builds on Australia’s initial commitment of PGK 3 million (approximately AUD 1.1 million) provided to bolster the national response.
To ensure technical expertise is positioned where it is needed most, four Australia Assists Rapid Response Team members have been deployed. These specialists are working alongside their counterparts at the National Disaster Centre in Port Moresby, as well as on the ground in Milne Bay and Bougainville, to coordinate complex logistics and conduct rapid damage assessments.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, Mr Ewen McDonald, emphasised the collaborative nature of the response.
“Australia stands side by side with Papua New Guinea during this challenging time. We are working closely with PNG and New Zealand to ensure our combined aerial and logistical support provides maximum coverage to the affected islands,” he said.
Australia’s assistance is being delivered through a multi-pronged approach, including direct support to the Government of Papua New Guinea and funding through non-government organisations (NGOs). These partners are working directly within local communities to distribute hygiene kits, provide clean water, and offer emergency shelter.
In close consultation with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Australia remains ready to provide further assistance as detailed assessments of the damage continue to emerge.
ENDS
Australia and Papua New Guinea work together to prepare the RAAF C-27J for departure from Air Transport Wing in Port Moresby to support the response to TC Maila in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, 16 April 2026.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100