Hughes, Stuart Willick,  Darrion Lambert and Greg Houston were part of a 56-member team led by Fire and Rescue NSW.

The Albion Park and Wollongong firefighters left for Vanuatu’s capital, Port Villa, on March 17 to assist with the aftermath of tropical cyclone Pam.

The four’s extensive qualification as Rescue and Disaster Relief Experts meant they were part of only 150 NSW firefighters qualified for the mission.

FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said the work included assessing and repairing critical infrastructure.

‘‘The work is anything from chopping down trees and clearing roads, to clearing buildings of dangerous debris. And they’re long shifts. You’re doing 11-12 hour days,’’ said Hughes.

Visibility issues meant that the team were keen to use every available hour of daylight.

For Hughes, the most rewarding part was the realisation he had helped many people.

‘‘We were astounded by how many kids we were helping to get back to school. They were small schools, but thousands of kids attended each one,’’ he said.

‘‘Even though they’re all firefighters, it was amazing how broadly skilled they were. We had carpenters, plumbers, electricians. It was amazing how well we all worked together.’’

From March 17-27  the Australian Urban Search and Rescue team provided aid to six schools, one hospital and about 3500 kids.

Commissioner Mullins said that the dedicated and highly-skilled USAR team had gone ‘‘above and beyond’’ in helping the people of Vanuatu.