Seroja engagement sessions to boost Mid-West grant applications

The Tropical Cyclone Seroja State recovery team will conduct one-on-one information and assistance sessions in the Mid-West next week to help more members of the community access financial support packages.

The community engagement opportunities are designed to help impacted insured homeowners  understand and access the Recovery and Resilience Grants announced recently under the $104.5 million joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

State Recovery Controller Melissa Pexton said one of the main roles of the recovery team was making sure everyone in the region who is eligible for the funding knows what it is designed for and how to apply.

“Just knowing where to start the recovery journey can be the biggest hurdle for some people and we completely understand that looking online at multiple websites can be daunting,” Ms Pexton said.

“This is a new grant program that is designed to give the community an opportunity to incorporate measures into the rebuild that will increase their resilience to future extreme weather events.

“In the aftermath of any natural disaster there is always an opportunity for a community to build back better and this Recovery and Resilience Grant Program is one opportunity for individuals to do this.”

Ms Pexton said the schedule for the face-to-face sessions was available at 

www.dfes.wa.gov.au/recoveryandresiliencegrants. 

“I strongly encourage everyone to have a look to see what date and venue are most convenient to them,” Ms Pexton said. 

“Either come down on the day or phone ahead on the 1800 490 678 number and book an appointment. 

“These community-based engagements will be a fantastic one-stop information and support opportunity for insured homeowners to start or continue their recovery journey.

“We continue to maintain a strong presence in the Mid-West with our locally based Community Recovery Officers and dedicated welfare officers from the Department of Communities and Red Cross to support the community to build back better.” 

The latest grants that are now available include: 

• Recovery and Resilience Grants – up to $20,000
• Cultural and Heritage Grants – up to $20,000
• Primary Producer Recovery Grant – up to $25,000
• Small Business Recovery Grant – up to $25,000

Dates for face-to-face Regional Recovery Sessions

Northampton 

Monday 22 November, 9am to 5pm, Northampton RSL 239 Hampton Road 

Mullewa

Tuesday 23 November, 9am to 1pm, 

City of Greater Geraldton Mullewa Office, corner Thomas and Padbury Street

Chapman Valley

Tuesday 23 November, 2:30pm to 6pm, Nabawa Community Centre 3320 Chapman Valley Road 

Kalbarri 

Wednesday 24 November, 9am to 5pm, Allen Centre 70 Grey Street 

Mingenew 

Thursday 25 November, 8:30am to 1:30pm, Shire Council Office 21 Victoria Road 

Morawa 

Thursday 25 November, 2:30pm to 6pm, Morawa CRC 36 Winfield Street 

Perenjori 

Friday 26 November, 9am to 2pm, Perenjori CRC 4 Fowler Street

END
Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9395 9543