On the 17th of December 2024, The People of Vanuatu endured an earthquake reaching a magnitude of 7.4; and not even a day later, in the early hours of the day, they experienced another earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5. As a result, the earthquake has caused severe damages to key infrastructure and buildings in Port Vila, including schools and hospitals. In terms of casualties, 14 people have been confirmed dead, hundreds injured and approximately 23,000 vulnerable individuals are in urgent need.
Like most small islands of the Pacific, Vanuatu sits in a seismically active area, and is susceptible to frequent large earthquakes and other natural disasters. They are still recovering from a number of devastating tropical cyclones in recent years, including twin-Category Four Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin which struck in March 2023, which directly impacted more than 80% of the country’s population of about 320,000 people.
In the Pacific, we are all one, family of the Pasifika; and it is in our duty and care to show support to our sibling island when in need. So on the 31st of January 2025, we would like to invite you to our fundraiser, to extend our support, to help the families and communities of Vanuatu. For a night of art, performance and boogie, bring your love and generosity to VFDalston. We hope to see you there!
Even when we’re oceans apart, we stay connected!
All proceeds will be going to Co-Ground. Co-Ground is a registered Australian charity that launched in 2015 in response to Cyclone Pam, a category 5 cyclone that devastated Vanuatu.
For almost 10 years since, Co-Ground has been supporting grassroots community-led programs in Vanuatu and the Philippines, and more recently First Nations young people in Australia. Their work includes disaster relief & recovery, water access, education, local infrastructure, health and sanitation, small business development, women's empowerment, child rights and local training, leadership and capacity building.