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As we welcome home Australia’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) from Türkiye, we acknowledge their extraordinary efforts in responding to the devastating earthquakes.

The DART demonstrated the commitment and professionalism that our international partners have come to expect from Australia.

Leading search and rescue efforts in difficult and dangerous conditions, the team used high-tech equipment to search through the rubble of unstable and collapsed apartment blocks.

The team of 72 personnel comprised representatives from Fire and Rescue NSW, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, ACT Fire and Rescue, New South Wales Departments of Health and Public Works, NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, representatives from the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Australian Defence Force also made a valuable contribution by transporting personnel and equipment to and from Türkiye.

Deployment of the DART was part of Australia’s $18 million humanitarian assistance package.

Australia’s ongoing assistance will continue to help our partners in Türkiye and Syria provide lifesaving assistance, including deliver food, tents, blankets, clean water and sanitation and other services.

In Türkiye, Red Cross and Red Crescent partners, as well as NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, are delivering this support with a focus on protecting those made most vulnerable by the earthquakes, in particular the protection of women and girls.

In Syria, assistance is being provided to the United Nations Population Fund to deliver maternal and child health services and protect women and girls without safe housing, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Ongoing recovery and reconstruction in Türkiye and Syria will be significant. The Australian Government will continue to assess where it can best assist in addressing additional needs.

Local communities have experienced widespread loss, tragedy and hardship. We extend our condolences to all those who continue to be affected in Türkiye and Syria.

Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“From New Zealand to Türkiye, Australians have again stepped up to help our international partners in times of need.

“I am proud of the tireless efforts of DART team members who have supported responses to these natural disasters. As a result of their work in Türkiye, many families can now lay their loved ones to rest.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt:

“Through practical assistance and significant technical capability, their deployment provided comfort and support to affected communities and local authorities in Türkiye.

“Our team has experienced relentless devastation and tragedy in the disaster zone. Their work is incredibly important.”

Quote attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“I welcome Australia’s Disaster Assistance Response Team home – their dedication, expertise and professionalism were on full display.

“Under the most difficult of circumstances they have worked tirelessly with local Turkish authorities on search and rescue efforts, delivering supplies and supporting an international effort to save lives.”