Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita visited the Alonga Disability Centre in Nuku’alofa last Wednesday, to inspect recent renovations funded by the Australian Government.
Despite the sweltering heat, the Princess Royal, patron of the centre, was warmly welcomed by staff and residents. The visit was attended by Australia’s High Commissioner to Tonga, Mr Brek Batly, First Secretary Ms Alison Gow, and Sione Finefeuiaki, founder of Sione’s Foundation, which carried out the refurbishment.
The upgrades, completed in early 2024, included the renovation of bathrooms and toilets, replacement of major sections of roofing, installation of a new concrete driveway and carpark, construction of a perimeter fence and street gate, replacement of external wall sheeting for the hearing-impaired residents’ building, and renovations to facilities used by the Tonga National Vision Impairments Association.
The Princess Royal expressed gratitude to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for awarding the renovation contract to Sione’s Foundation. She acknowledged the life-impacting work undertaken at Alonga and engaged in discussions on maintaining the refurbishments and addressing future priorities to provide critical special care needs and services for residents and their families.
Sione’s Foundation stated that their work was to “make a difference to the community in Tonga”. Other building projects by Sione’s Foundation includes various schools buildings throughout Tonga.
The Rotary Club of Ballarat West supported with beds, furniture and mobility aids.
The Alonga Disability Centre, established in July 1991 by the late Queen Mother of Tonga, provides free 24-hour care for up to 25 clients and relies largely on community contributions for its operations.
