Earthquake related news
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott offer condolences for victims of the Tohoku Pacific Earthquake at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott signed a book of condolences for victims of the Touhoku Pacific Earthquake at the Ambassador’s Residence on Monday 21 March 2011 at 11:15AM.
In the book, Prime Minister Julia Gillard wrote “On behalf of the Australian people, I offer our sincere sympathy on your tragic losses. We grieve for you and we will be with you in these dark hours and through the recovery.”
Mr. Tony Abbott wrote “I join with the Prime Minister in offering deepest condolences to the Japanese people. It is a tragedy of almost unimaginable severity. Australia, of course, will stand beside the people of Japan to do whatever we reasonably can to help.”
Following the signing of the book, both leaders had a brief conversation with Ambassador Sato.
During the conversation, Ambassador Shigekazu Sato said that he appreciated their condolences and the condolences from many Australian people. He also appreciated Australia’s immediate response to the disaster and dispatch of Australian rescue teams, and mentioned that he would like to have the opportunity to thank the Australian rescuers that flew to Japan to help look for survivors.
Heartfelt gratitude from the Embassy of Japan
The Embassy of Japan would like to convey how greatly appreciative it is of the numerous people who have come to the embassy to both sign the condolence book and make donations to the Embassy of Japan. We would like to thank students, NGOs and countless individuals who have contributed to the relief fund through various fund-raising events.
I'A Thousand Paper Cranes’
Presented by Students of UC Senior College, ACTmage courtesy of Ben Southall of SMP Images
'A Thousand Paper Cranes’
Presented by the Students of Wanniassa Primary School, ACT
'A Thousand Paper Cranes’ and cheque
Presented by Students of Rutherglen Primary School, VIC
On 18th March, 2011, the Australia-Japan Society of the ACT (AJS) President Stuart Forsyth presented a donation of $5000 to His Excellency Shigekazu Sato, Ambassador of Japan. The donation will go to the Red Cross (Japan) Pacific Disaster Relief Fund.
On 5th May, 2011, Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association ACT (JETAA ACT) President Adam Gastineau and members of JETAA ACT presented a donation of $3000 to His Excellency Shigekazu Sato, Ambassador of Japan. The donation will got to the Red Cross Pacific Disaster Relief Fund.