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.
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.
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)
This appeal is now closed and all funds disbursed.
The Wooroloo and Hills Bushfire Appeal raised a total of $16.9 million, with funds distributed to 276 applicants who were affected by the bushfire. The Fund Board has worked with the City of Swan, Shire of Mundaring and State Government to ensure money was disbursed directly to those who need it.
For more information on the Wooroloo and Hills Bushfire Appeal read the fact sheet and media releases.
Visit your local government website: City of Swan or Shire of Mundaring for additional support being offered.
The Bushfire Recovery Centre has representatives from the City of Swan and Department of Communities providing recovery and support information to affected residents.
The centre operates from the Gidgegannup Office, 2125 Toodyay Road (next to the Gidgegannup Bakery and Café) Monday and Wednesday, 8:30am - 5pm, or by appointment.
Everyone is welcome to drop in, ask questions and seek support.
To get in contact outside of the above hours call 0438 242 356 or email the team at bushfirerecoverygroup@swan.wa.gov.au
You can also keep up-to-date with recovery news, events and initiatives via the City of Swan’s monthly recovery newsletter or visit their website.
Every Friday from 10am - 12pm Morning Tea is held in the Community Hall at the Gidgegannup Showgrounds, giving community members a chance to connect, reconnect and strengthen connections with neighbours and friends, and to access any recovery support or information they need.
Community Morning Tea
Hosted by the Department of Communities (with support from City of Swan, Shire of Mundaring and Red Cross) every fortnight.
Community-Led Morning Tea
Various community leaders, groups and residents have stepped up to host the Morning Tea every other Friday.
With support from the Gidgegannup Men’s Shed and Parky Care (respectively) the WA Rotary Bushfire Relief Tool Libraries in Tilden Park and Wooroloo are making everything from hammers to fencing tools available to those restoring and rebuilding due to the Wooroloo bushfire.
Tilden Park Library: operates every Wednesday and Saturday from 1 – 4pm at Charlie Miles Fire Dam Reserve, opposite 162 Tilden Drive, Gidgegannup. For more information, please contact info@gidgegannupmensshed.org.au.
Wooroloo Library: operates out of the Wooroloo General Store and is open for tool pick up and drop off on Tuesdays 3pm – 4pm and Fridays 8:30 – 9:30am.
For more information call Rowan on 0423 865 972.
The Gidgegannup Men’s Shed works to enhance the physical and emotional wellbeing of members through undertaking activities and projects that engage with and support the community.
Current initiatives supporting the Wooroloo Bushfire recovery include supporting Rotary WA’s Tool Library in Tilden Park and partnering with Blaze Aid to replace fencing lost in the fire.
Visit their website to keep up-to-date with local Men’s Shed news and events.
Local Governments support and manage various events and activities to assist households throughout their recovery. For all upcoming event information visit the City of Swan recovery news and events page and the Shire of Mundaring recovery activities and events page.
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 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.
The Clean-up Program undertook clean-up activities for 135 eligible residents impacted by the bushfire, including the removal of in-scope residential bushfire related waste (buildings and vehicles).
The final Clean-up Program completion certificate was issued on 19 January 2022, following the completion of all residual works.
Jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the program was coordinated by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), in collaboration with the City of Swan, the Shire of Mundaring and Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
To find out more about the clean-up program visit Wooroloo Bushfire Clean-up.
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 eg. walking trails, footpaths, picnic furniture and toilets. The program is funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Watch video updates on recovery activities:
Dr Ron Edwards, State Recovery Controller and the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner, Darren Klemm AFSM
Ian Robinson, Local Recovery Officer, Community Safety, City of Swan
Following are links to media releases and latest news related to Wooroloo bushfire recovery. You can also stay up to date through our DFES social media platforms: DFES Wooroloo Bushfires Facebook Recovery Group, DFES YouTube, DFES Twitter.
On 13 August 2021 the State Government announced an independent review into the Wooroloo Bushfire. The final report was released on 29 March 2022, which you can read here.
In the wake of a bushfire, it can be incredibly daunting to return home. It’s difficult to anticipate what you’ll find. If you have been given the all-clear to return by emergency services, you need to mentally and emotionally prepare yourself and your family for the changes to your home and community. If you live alone, you may want to bring someone with you when you first return to provide support through this difficult time.
Even after a fire has passed, there is a risk of flareups. It is important to keep up to date and follow instructions. Visit Emergency WA, DFES Facebook or DFES Twitter or call the DFES emergency information line on 13 DFES (13 3337). Updates will also be provided through your local ABC radio.
If telephone and internet are accessible, visit Emergency WA, call DFES emergency information line on 13 DFES (13 3337) or follow DFES on Twitter or Facebook.
For those impacted by the Wooroloo bushfire, please refer to the Wooroloo Bushfire Recovery section at the top of this page. Here you will find information on financial assistance and other bushfire recovery programs available.
The information below will point you in the right direction for emergency accommodation and advice on securing your home.
During this time, it is very important to look after your wellbeing. Refer to the wellbeing section below for tips and links to support organisations.
If you own the property, talk to your insurer about securing your home while assessments are done. If you’re a tenant, your owner or landlord will organise site security, so be sure to get in contact with them. Remember, your home may be part of an investigation so it might have barrier tape around it to prevent entry.
You can call on State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers to help secure your home if there are areas that may be damaged further by being left unprotected. They can help you fix tarpaulins and tie down loose items. You should talk to the fire officer in charge or police officer to organise this, or call the SES on 132 500.
In the trauma after a fire, you’re probably worrying about your financial situation and how you and your family will cope. Centrelink and other agencies understand your situation, and they can advise you about any emergency or additional payments you are entitled to receive to help you at a difficult time.
If the whole community has been affected, a ‘one stop shop’ may be set up to help you access services such as Centrelink, an Insurance Council of WA representative, utility companies and counsellors. If one has been set up, you will be notified through community meetings.
The Department of Communities, Child Protection and Family Support can provide financial assistance, including personal hardship and distress relief payments where applicable. This includes emergency assistance for immediate essential items and emergency accommodation assistance.
If you are an existing or new Centrelink customer who receives a social security or pension benefit, you may be entitled to a crisis payment. To find out if you are eligible contact Centrelink.
If you receive a Veterans’ Affairs pension or benefit, you may also be entitled to a crisis payment. Contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to find out if you are eligible.
Crisis Care can help you find crisis accommodation and assist with longer term housing. 9223 1111 or free call 1800 199 008 (day or night).
Entrypoint Perth can help families and individuals who require access to Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) and other accommodation and/or support services. Call 6496 0001 or 1800 124 684.
If you are insured, contact your provider to see if you are covered for emergency accommodation.
Make sure you give these people and services your temporary address and contact details:
When returning home, exercise extreme caution on the road, as roadblocks may still be in place. Police-managed roadblocks are for your safety, and for emergency services to have safe access to the fire.
A restricted access permit may be issued to residents, business owners or utility companies or other approved persons to:
After a bushfire, your home may not be structurally sound. Walls, roofs, ceilings, floors and even stairs may not be as stable as they appear.
Only go into your home if it has been declared safe by a building inspector. Your insurance company may contact a building inspector for you, depending on your level of insurance, or the local government’s building inspector may be able to help.
When you arrive home:
Visit the Department of Health for more information on hazards on your property after a bushfire and using rainwater tanks after a bushfire.
If you lost power during the bushfire, the food in your fridge may go off after two hours.
Top tips:
View more food safety tips on the Healthy WA website.
When returning home be alert for potential hazards such as:
It’s likely that your gas, electricity and water have been shut off or disconnected during the fire. You will need to wait for the suppliers to send a qualified tradesperson to inspect and repair any damage, plus arrange for reconnection.
If you are insured, your insurance company can organise this for you. If you are not, you will need to sort this out yourself.
Make sure you get in touch with your utility providers:
Drinking water, water tanks and swimming pools can become polluted following a fire, flood or other emergency.
Top tips:
View more water safety tips on the Healthy WA website, including advice on rainwater tanks after a bushfire.
We all have personal items we value and special things we need in life. After a fire, these are important to have if not damaged.
If parts of your home have not been destroyed and it is safe to enter, you may want to retrieve family items and essential documents. Although it will be emotionally difficult, having these things can help you deal with the overall trauma of loss.
If your personal documents have been partially damaged, the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials can provide further information on how you can salvage your family’s precious belongings.
Key items to try to locate include (if you don’t already have them):
When you enter your home, do it safely and wear appropriate safety equipment like gloves and sturdy boots.
Wash soot and smoke from clothing by mixing bleachable items with 4 to 6 tablespoons of washing powder, 1 cup of household chlorine bleach, and 4L of warm water. After washing your clothing in this mix, rinse with water and then dry.
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to remove the smell of smoke from feathers or foam, but damaged mattresses may be able to be restored by a company that builds and repairs mattresses. If you must use your mattress temporarily, put it in the sun to dry first and then cover it with rubber or plastic sheeting.
Wet wood can easily decay and mould, so remove any drawers and place furniture in a dry area away from direct sunlight (to avoid warping) to air out. To retain the wood’s original appearance, rub the surface with a super-fine steel wool pad dipped in liquid polishing wax, wipe with a soft cloth and then buff.
Remove soot or dust by washing utensils with soapy water, then polishing with a fine powdered cleaner. You can polish copper and brass with special polish, salt sprinkled on a piece of lemon or even a vinegar-soaked cloth.
Do not touch or use appliances, particularly electrical appliances that have been exposed to water, until you have an authorised service technician check them.
See also: Food Safety and Water Safety
Remove soot and smoke with water and mild soap or detergent.
Contact your insurance company to report any damage or loss as soon as you can. They will need to send an assessor to your property to process your claim. Depending on their advice, you may be able to begin repairs and any rebuilding. Check with your insurance company before you enter a contract with cleaning or repair contractors, to avoid additional bills.
If you are a tenant and have contents insurance contact your insurer, in addition to telling your real estate agent, owner, landlord or Department of Communities Housing Authority.
If you need emergency accommodation, check to see if this is covered in your insurance policy.
If you are not insured, get a builder or building consultant to assess the damage to your home and get a written damage report that will help you with quotes for the needed repairs. Always check the qualifications and experience of a builder or consultant before hiring them.
Be wary of the high-pressure sales tactics of tradespeople who sell services by going door to door.
Check to see whether you need plans drawn up and approved by a structural engineer and local government.
Depending on advice you have received from your insurance company or local authorities, you may be able to start organising a rebuild of your home.
The risk to your home from a bushfire is affected by the distance your house is from the bush and how it is constructed.
The Australian Standard AS 3959:2018 “Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas” will help you to decide how your home should be constructed in areas that are at risk from bushfire.
You may find this guide useful when rebuilding your home: Building for Better Protection in Bushfire Areas.
If you cannot remember the name of your insurance company or the details are not available, you can contact the Insurance Council of Australia on 1300 728 228.
Traumatic experiences such as being involved in a fire can be sudden and overwhelming. It is normal for people to feel unsettled and disrupted for a while. In most cases there are no signs of physical injury, but there can be a serious emotional toll. Some symptoms can include depression, anxiety, sadness, anger, fatigue, nightmares and difficulty concentrating.
Children and teenagers can also suffer from stress following a fire. Understanding and recognising your child’s responses to these events can assist you in providing support and helping them to cope effectively with the feelings, thoughts and behaviours they are experiencing.
If you find you do not return to your normal routine after a few weeks it is important to seek professional help.
Most people will recover over time with the support of family and friends. However, sometimes distressing events can be difficult to overcome and professional help may be useful. After a crisis it is often easier to talk to someone who is not involved and is trained to listen.
Consider seeking professional help if you:
If you need further support your doctor is a good place to start, and they can also refer you to other service providers who may be able to help.
Counselling, support and referrals are also available through Crisis Care, Lifeline and The Samaritans. You can talk by phone, text or online.
Be aware that you have been through an extremely stressful event and give yourself permission to feel bad.
Positive ways to cope can include the following.
The following organisations specialise in supporting children, teenagers and young adults:
Following a fire, your beloved pets and livestock will be part of your immediate concern.
If you have safe and authorised access to your property, ensure that animals continue to have access to adequate shelter, food and water, and check that they are not exposed to any hazards.
If your pets or animals have suffered any injuries or trauma, try to deal with these without delay. While it may be distressing to see them suffering, there is help available for you.
The Department of Agriculture provides information on recovery for animals after emergencies and farm recovery after a fire. You could also contact your local veterinarian.
It is important to remember that fires may be investigated if the cause cannot be identified. Here is what to expect if your home or property becomes part of a wider investigation.
It’s up to you whether or not you want to speak to a reporter who approaches you for an interview on the scene of the fire. If you agree, it’s a good idea to discuss beforehand the kind of questions they’ll ask, so you can be comfortable answering. It can be a very emotional time, and you may want to ask a fire officer to help you in the interview.
If the cause of the fire is still under investigation, it is best not to discuss anything with the media.