The Australian Government will provide a package of food aid to the town of Minami-Sanriku in Miyagi prefecture, where the Australian Urban Search and Rescue Team was deployed in the aftermath of the recent earthquake and tsunami.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the care package would provide the people of Minami-Sanriku with some much needed food and comfort as they recover from the March 11 disaster.
The request for food assistance and soft toys for the children came from the Mayor of Minami-Sanriku, Mr Sato, and the Japanese Government.
The Australian Government is very happy to be able to assist with this request on behalf of the nation.
We hope this food aid will help the people of Minami-Sanriku at this very difficult time, and in their immense task of rebuilding.
The care package includes:
* 7,000 cans of soup, baked beans and canned spaghetti
* 2,000 packets of chocolate biscuits (including Tim Tams and Chocolate Montes)
* 372 packets of dried fruit
* 5,000 Byron Bay cookies
* 4,000 packets of beef jerky
* 3,800 packets of canned Australian beef/curry pouches, donated through Meat and Livestock Australia
* Soft toys including 1,500 koalas from Tourism Australia
The Prime Minister said the majority of the package was already on its way to Minami-Sanriku, having arrived in Tokyo this morning.
Much of the food package has been delivered free of charge by Qantas, in a very generous gesture by the Australian airline.
The Prime Minister visited the ruins of the town centre with the Mayor and the Japanese Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto.
With them was Australian Search and Rescue team leader Rob McNeil who showed the Prime Minister some of the areas where they carried out the harrowing search for survivors.
The Prime Minister then visited a nearby evacuation centre to talk with families whose homes were washed away on March 11.
The Prime Minister said she brought the best wishes and support of the nation who will continue to support the people of Japan as they rebuild from this devastating event.