The group tour took place four weeks after the island’s bushfires were declared as officially contained by the state’s Country Fire Service.
Two people lost their lives and 22 firefighters were injured in the bushfires that lasted more than three weeks and burnt more than 210,000 hectares, almost half of the island.
Authorities say tens of thousands of animals including koalas, kangaroos, and livestock also perished.
However, with major rebuilding and cleanup underway, some of the major tourist attractions are still open on the island, and visitors are returning.
Bushfires have caused an unprecedented level of damage to Australia's biodiversity. Source: AAP
“On 16th February, 101 people from South Australia’s Nepali community visited Kangaroo Island to show solidarity with locals and to help bring tourists back in any way we can”, says Nabin Panth, one of the coordinators of the tour.
Mr Panth told SBS Nepali every dollar they spent would be of help to the island’s tourism industry. The group had taken the decision not to take any food with them but to buy at local shops and businesses.
It might not be a lot of money but it sends a very important message about how people can help.
“Every cup of coffee we bought at the local café, every meal we ordered, the ferry we took and the bus we rode, each of these transactions will help local businesses that rely so much on tourism,” said Panth, who is a member of the South Australian branch of the Nepali diaspora association called NRNAA.
Listen to our conversation with Panth and Sapkota: null
Members of South Australia's Nepali community visiting Kangaroo Island after the bushfires. Source: Supplied
People were keen to visit. Adelaide resident Laxmi Sapkota was among those who signed up. Having moved to South Australia about eight months ago, this was his first visit to Kangaroo Island.
It was a bittersweet moment for him.
“On one hand, I was happy to visit the place and contribute towards local tourism, but on the other hand, I felt sad about the context of the visit,"
“It was also emotional for me to see nature recovering”, he said.
The Nepali visitors also felt welcomed by the locals, saying they weren’t expecting such warmth from the people they met.
“Many locals we met said that we were the largest group to visit the area after the devastating bushfires”, explains Nabin Panth, who says he hopes the latest visit by members of the Nepali community will encourage others to do the same.
Vets and volunteers treat Koalas at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, on Kangaroo Island, southwest of Adelaide, Friday, January 10, 2020. Source: AAP
According to Tourism SA, visitors to Kangaroo Island spent $140 million for the year ending June 2019.
David Speirs, South Australia's Minister for Environment and Water says many tourist attractions including Seal Bay Conservation Park and Cape Willoughby heritage cottages remain open.
"There is still so much wildlife to see and experiences to do in Kangaroo Island's unaffected parks," he said in a media statement.
Nearly half of the Island has now be burnt by bushfires, some of them uncontrolled. Source: AAP
"The State Government is working closely with the local community to boost tourism opportunities."
