Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said the thoughts and prayers of the Toowoomba Region were with the people of Tonga in the wake of this week’s volcanic eruption.
“What has happened is truly devastating,” Mayor Antonio said.
“There have been casualties caused by this event and we pray for the families of those that have been affected.
“In addition to this, the aftermath of the eruption will be felt for some time as the community looks for a way to rebuild.
“Our country shares a strong bond with Tonga and I personally have experienced the warmth and generosity from the Tonga community first-hand in my days at the Gatton Agricultural College.
“I was fortunate enough to study and play football with a number of Polynesian players in Gatton and I cannot speak highly enough of how kind and caring they are and I can only imagine how difficult it must be for the people of Tonga right now.
“To show our support to the Tongan community, we will be lighting the City Hall Annex and Victoria Street bridge in the national colours of Tonga.
“We stand with Tonga during their time of need.”
