More than 12 months 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.
In addition to the above, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website provides a wealth of information on recovering from a bushfire. We also encourage residents affected by the bushfire to visit their local government website: City of Swan and Shire of Mundaring to access additional support services and information.
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 will increase the availability of 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 Department of Communities is supporting people 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.