Congratulations to the Wooroloo Recovery initiatives and program that took out three out of four winning places at this year’s Resilient Australia Awards. These outstanding initiatives have contributed to building resilience in the community and will support future recovery efforts throughout WA and across Australia.
The Awards recognise work across Australia that helps make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to manage any emergency situation.
The Gidgegannup Men's Shed, created following the Wooroloo bushfire, won the Community Award.
The collaborative project between DFES and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation – Wooroloo Bushfire Coordinated Residential Clean-up Program, won the Government Award*.
Shire of Mundaring, City of Swan, Department of Communities and the Australian Red Cross - WA for their image exhibition 'Wooroloo Bushfire 2021 – 12 Months On' won the Local Government Award*.
Congratulations also to the final award winner:
Andrew Haselden from the Kalamunda Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade won the Resilient Australia Photography Award for his image ‘Autumn Burning – A Return to Normality’.
*Projects jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Nearly two years on, recovery continues from the Wooroloo Bushfire that burnt more than 10,000 hectares and caused extensive damage to properties within the City of Swan and Shire of Mundaring. With the clean-up of damaged and destroyed properties complete, community recovery continues to rebuild social connections and individual wellbeing.
On behalf of the State Government, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services continues to work alongside the City of Swan, Shire of Mundaring, Department of Communities and Australian Red Cross to support communities to recover and rebuild. Recovery is a long road, and everyone is on their own journey.
You can access Wooroloo Bushfire recovery information, initiatives and the latest news below.
Have a chat with your local recovery officers in person, by phone or email.
Support services for health and wellbeing advice.
Phone the Department of Communities’ Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965 to access support services for personal hardship or distress as a direct result of the bushfire.
Applications for the State Government Bushfire Relief payment are closed and all payments have been disbursed.
This appeal is now closed and all funds disbursed.
Funding is being provided to the City of Swan to assist with the clean-up and repair of community and recreational assets damaged by the Wooroloo bushfire e.g. walking trails, footpaths, picnic furniture and toilets. The majority of works are now complete, and all impacted public reserves have re-opened to the public.
The Coordinated Residential Clean-Up Program is now complete.
The Wooroloo Bushfire Coordinated Residential Clean-Up Program assisted residents whose homes were destroyed or damaged in the Wooroloo bushfire.
For assistance with the rebuilding process within the Shire of Mundaring, you can contact Building Services on 9290 6660 or email shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au, or follow this link for more information.
The State Government continues to work closely with the City of Swan and Shire of Mundaring to deliver the Community Recovery and Outreach Program, providing coordinated and targeted support to individuals and families directly affected by the bushfire.
This program, jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, is ongoing and supports impacted community members to navigate and access relief and recovery support. With collaboration from the Department of Communities, City of Swan, Shire of Mundaring and Australian Red Cross, dedicated resources are available to assist people impacted by the bushfire to access financial assistance, emergency housing, emotional support services and more.
These services include:
To find out how you can access support services, contact your local community recovery team or visit the City of Swan or Shire of Mundaring.
The State Recovery Plan for the Wooroloo bushfire has been developed to provide a high-level overview of the economic, environmental and social impact of the devastating bushfire, as well as a State-level framework to support the local governments and the community in their recovery journey.
State Recovery Plan - accessible word version (alt text included)
The State Recovery Coordination Group (SRCG) is coordinating State Government efforts to assist residents impacted by the Wooroloo bushfire. The SRCG and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ State Recovery Coordinator Paul Carr ensure State Government, local government and not-for-profit organisations are working together to provide targeted, meaningful, community led recovery initiatives.
During his term as the State Recovery Controller, Dr Ron Edwards oversaw State recovery efforts from 5 February to 15 October 2021.
A State Recovery Operations team has been established to support the City of Swan and Shire of Mundaring and the community in their recovery. This team engages with other State agencies, local governments and other groups to identify and respond to recovery impacts, administrate delivery of recovery programs jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and coordinates strategic communications across the recovery effort.
You can stay up to date by joining the DFES Wooroloo Bushfire Recovery Facebook Group to read about recovery events, activities and programs.
Following are links to media releases and latest news related to Wooroloo bushfire recovery.
For further information relating to current local recovery events, activities and available support available, please visit the City of Swan or Shire of Mundaring websites.
You can also stay up to date with general DFES news and information through our DFES social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.
On 13 August 2021 the State Government announced an independent review into the Wooroloo Bushfire. Submissions were open from 20 August 2021 to 8 October 2021 and have now closed. The review was released in March 2022. Read the independent review into the Wooroloo Bushfire.
If you have applied, or would like to apply, for one or more of the following Cyclone Seroja grant programs you now have more time to complete eligible clean-up, restoration and repair works.
Important dates for all four grant programs
30 June 2023 - grant applications close.
30 June 2024 - completion of eligible repair works.
Want more grant info?
Chat with your local community recovery officer
Call 1800 490 678
Read about each program on this page under What assistance is available?
The grant programs are jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The Cultural and Heritage Asset Clean-up and Repair Grant, is available to eligible owners and operators to assist with costs to clean-up and restore significant cultural and heritage sites. The grant can reimburse up to $20,000 of the cost of work undertaken.
Community Recovery Officers at your local Recovery Hub are able to walk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have or contact the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
For more details:
Primary producers whose properties sustained damaged from Cyclone Seroja may be eligible for a grant of up to $25,000.
The grants are available to reimburse clean-up costs, such as the removal and disposal of debris, damaged infrastructure and equipment, deceased livestock; salvaging crops; and repairing damaged infrastructure and equipment.
Community Recovery Officers at your local Recovery Hub are able to walk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have or contact the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Read about how a Primary Producer Recovery Grant has assisted Ofelia and her husband on their farm near Mullewa.
Are you a homeowner who incurred clean-up or repair work costs because your insurance policy did not cover the total amount?
You may be eligible for a reimbursement of some or all of the gap amount up to $20,000.
Evidence including documentation from your insurer is required and any building works involved in the application must be undertaken by a registered builder or registered business.
Call, email, or pop in for a chat with your community recovery officer to ask any questions you have and learn what support is available to you and your neighbours.
For more details:
If you are a small business owner whose property sustained damaged from Cyclone Seroja read about a reimbursement grant available to you. The Small Business Recovery Grant, of up to $25,000, is available to eligible small businesses to assist with the clean-up of cyclone related debris.
While these grants are reimbursement grants, small businesses that do not have the money upfront to spend on clean up or replacement items, are able to apply for up to $15,000 to cover these costs by providing quotes.
Community Recovery Officers at your local Recovery Hub are able to walk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have or contact the Small Business Development Corporation.
Read about how a Small Business Recovery Grant has assisted Kalbarri Boat Hire and Canoe Safaris.
Building better will provide communities greater resilience against future cyclones.
While some insurance policies will not cover building works that improve the resilience of residential properties, you may be able to have some of that extra cost reimbursed through a Resilience Grant up to $20,000.
A number of building works are covered by this grant including the installation of roof structure tie-down upgrades or window protections including cyclone shutters or debris screens. The replacement of garage doors and frames with wind rated garage doors and the replacement of external hollow core doors with solid external grade doors can also be reimbursed.
Work must be undertaken by a registered business for the insured homeowner to be eligible for a reimbursement. Call, email, or pop in for a chat with your community recovery officer to ask any questions you have and learn what support is available to you and your neighbours.
For more details:
Phone the Department of Communities’ Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965 if you are experiencing personal hardship or distress as a direct result of the cyclone.
If you need to chat or you’re struggling, Lifeline provide crisis support calls on 13 11 14. You can reach them 24/7 or visit the Lifeline website for resources.
Have a chat with your local recovery officers in person, by phone or email.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by potential legal issues around finances, insurance claims, temporary accommodation and loan repayments contact Legal Aid on 1300 650 579.
Assistance is available to people experiencing personal hardship and distress as a result of the cyclone.
Property owners affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja have new options for constructing sheds following a temporary change to WA’s builder registration rules.
The Temporary Accommodation for Workers Program is a demand driven program supporting cyclone impacted local governments to provide mobile accommodation for non-regional based builders and labourers so they can stay in the region while undertaking rebuilding activities.
The Community and Recreational Asset Clean-up and Restoration Program funds the repair of damaged local government community and recreational sites and structures, as well as sites in State Government-managed national parks and reserves.
The State Government’s Construction Training Fund (CTF) have introduced a Disaster Recovery Construction Training Grant, designed to support communities affected by Cyclone Seroja.
Psychological First Aid
Natural disasters can affect your usual coping strategies. If you are finding you are not coping as well as you normally would, the Australian Red Cross is here to help you. Please pop into one of the recovery hubs and have a chat with the Australian Red Cross staff member. Staff can offer psychological assistance and information on other local support services available.
The Australian Red Cross is providing support to cyclone impacted community members through the Community Welfare and Outreach Program funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Relationship and Community Services
Pop in for a coffee catch up at a local café in Northampton, Kalbarri or Morawa and have an informal chat with a Centacare counsellor.
Northampton Centacare Coffee Catchups
Every Tuesday at Shearing Shed Café, 198 Hampton Road.
Kalbarri Centacare Coffee Catchups
Every Thursday at Gorges Café, 6/166 Grey Street.
Morawa Centacare Coffee Catchups
Call Centacare Family Services for details – 9921 1433.
Moneycare Financial Capability Service
Financial troubles can be a major source of stress. If you would like help to get your finances under control, The Salvation Army’s Moneycare service focuses on early intervention and can assist you with working towards practical solutions and reducing your stress. Chat with the recovery hub staff to find out more.
Family and Domestic Violence Support
If you are experiencing family and domestic violence DVassist can help. DVassist offers anonymous, confidential and free phone and web chat counselling services seven days a week. Chat with the recovery hub staff to find out more, or call DV assist directly on 1800 455 174 or web chat via www.dvassist.org.au
Domestic Violence, Health and Wellbeing Support
Desert Blue Connect offers a wide range of services to individuals and families in the Mid West region. This includes specialist domestic and family violence, and health and wellbeing services. The services are confidential and appropriate to the needs of women, children and men. Staff from Desert Blue Connect are based fortnightly at the Northampton and Morawa recovery hubs. Chat with the recovery hub staff to find out more.
Assistance is available to people experiencing personal hardship and distress as a result of the cyclone.
Property owners affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja have new options for constructing sheds following a temporary change to WA’s builder registration rules.
The Temporary Accommodation for Workers Program is a demand driven program supporting cyclone impacted local governments to provide mobile accommodation for non-regional based builders and labourers so they can stay in the region while undertaking rebuilding activities.
The Community and Recreational Asset Clean-up and Restoration Program funds the repair of damaged local government community and recreational sites and structures, as well as sites in State Government-managed national parks and reserves.
The State Government’s Construction Training Fund (CTF) have introduced a Disaster Recovery Construction Training Grant, designed to support communities affected by Cyclone Seroja.
Psychological First Aid
Natural disasters can affect your usual coping strategies. If you are finding you are not coping as well as you normally would, the Australian Red Cross is here to help you. Please pop into one of the recovery hubs and have a chat with the Australian Red Cross staff member. Staff can offer psychological assistance and information on other local support services available.
The Australian Red Cross is providing support to cyclone impacted community members through the Community Welfare and Outreach Program funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Relationship and Community Services
Pop in for a coffee catch up at a local café in Northampton, Kalbarri or Morawa and have an informal chat with a Centacare counsellor.
Northampton Centacare Coffee Catchups
Every Tuesday at Shearing Shed Café, 198 Hampton Road.
Kalbarri Centacare Coffee Catchups
Every Thursday at Gorges Café, 6/166 Grey Street.
Morawa Centacare Coffee Catchups
Call Centacare Family Services for details – 9921 1433.
Moneycare Financial Capability Service
Financial troubles can be a major source of stress. If you would like help to get your finances under control, The Salvation Army’s Moneycare service focuses on early intervention and can assist you with working towards practical solutions and reducing your stress. Chat with the recovery hub staff to find out more.
Family and Domestic Violence Support
If you are experiencing family and domestic violence DVassist can help. DVassist offers anonymous, confidential and free phone and web chat counselling services seven days a week. Chat with the recovery hub staff to find out more, or call DV assist directly on 1800 455 174 or web chat via www.dvassist.org.au
Domestic Violence, Health and Wellbeing Support
Desert Blue Connect offers a wide range of services to individuals and families in the Mid West region. This includes specialist domestic and family violence, and health and wellbeing services. The services are confidential and appropriate to the needs of women, children and men. Staff from Desert Blue Connect are based fortnightly at the Northampton and Morawa recovery hubs. Chat with the recovery hub staff to find out more.
You can stay up to date by joining the DFES Cyclone Seroja Recovery Facebook Group to read about recovery events, activities and programs.
The Department of Communities is supporting people affected by Cyclone Seroja. For more information visit Department of Communities - Cyclone Seroja Page
The Small Business Development Corporation is supporting small business operators affected by Cyclone Seroja. For more information visit the SBDC Cyclone Seroja Page.
For information about planning and repairing heritage listed sites please visit the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage - Cyclone Seroja Page
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is assisting Western Australian primary industries affected by the impact of Tropical Cyclone Seroja. For more information visit the DPIRD Cyclone Seroja page.
Building and Energy WA provides helpful information about engaging builders and obtaining building permits. For more information visit the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website at https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy
The Insurance Council of Australia is the representative body of the general insurance industry in Australia. If you'd like to speak to the Insurance Council of Australia or your insurer about your Cyclone Seroja claim visit the Insurance Council of Australia website to request a phone call.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by potential legal issues around finances, insurance claims, temporary accommodation and loan repayments, as a result of Cyclone Seroja, please contact Legal Aid for advice. You can call Legal Aid on 1300 650 579 or send an email to naturaldisasters@legalaid.wa.gov.au.
Visit the Legal Aid website for information on services available.
AFCA offers free and accessible insurance dispute resolution services to consumers and small businesses impacted by Cyclone Seroja. For assistance you can call 1800 931 678 or visit https://www.afca.org.au/news/significant-events/tropical-cyclone-seroja
Experiencing an emergency can be traumatic and exhausting; it’s normal to feel unsettled for a while. Returning to normal life may feel far off, but there are a number of things you can do and people you can turn to for help.
DFES coordinates services for a range of natural disasters and emergency incidents threatening people and properties.
In emergency situations your local Council provides advice to residents and businesses, including support available from other government agencies.
The Department of Health connect the public to health services and information including safety and first aid, emergency contacts and health related news.
Red Cross volunteers support communities recovering from disasters. They assist with getting help, looking after yourself and coping after a crisis.
Lifeline are on call to provide emotional and psychological support to those who are impacted my emergency situations.
Contact your insurer to report loss or damage to your property and belongings. Also, check that your insurance contract covers cleaning or repair contractors.
After a flood or storm, small things may be more challenging, such as disposing of waste, reviving spoiled furniture and belongings and dealing with dirt, mould and mildew.
After receiving advice from emergency services that you can return home after a fire, you will want to start getting your home and property back in order as soon as possible.
When cleaning up after a cyclone, flood, fire or other disasters you need to be careful of asbestos, spilled poisons, chemicals and pesticides, mosquitos, snakes and rodents.
If you lost power during a flood, fire, cyclone or other emergency, the food in your fridge may go off after two hours.
Drinking water, water tanks and swimming pools can become polluted following a fire, flood or other emergency.
Wastewater after cyclones or floods may enter your septic tank and cause your toilet to block up and can cause pungent smells.
