Seroja recovery assistance tour set for July return

The Cyclone Seroja recovery assistance sessions are returning to the Mid West this month to capitalise on community recovery momentum, just two months after the May coastal tour.

The three-day tour will start in Mullewa on Tuesday 19 July and travel to Perenjori and Mingenew on Wednesday 20 July before finishing in Geraldton on Thursday 21 July.

Cyclone Seroja State Recovery Controller Melissa Pexton said it was the third time in six months recovery experts would tour the region, reflecting the interest in recovery assistance by families and businesses.

“We knew the 12-month mark and beyond would bring a renewed interest from families, primary producers and small businesses in understanding what recovery assistance is available,” Ms Pexton said.

“One of the real strengths of these sessions is that cyclone-affected residents can sit down with representatives from different agencies and receive tailored advice that can smooth out any bumps they have with their recovery.

“The face-to-face meetings with one, two or even three recovery specialists at once have been welcomed by the community, especially when one meeting can avoid a long string of emails or phone calls which alleviates the stress that brings.”

Ms Pexton said one of the most compelling statistics from the February and May tours was the split between people who were seeking recovery information for the first time and those seeking further advice to help progress their recovery.

“We did expect new assistance enquiries to come through, even 12 months on from Cyclone Seroja, and seeing that split at roughly 50 per cent is a positive sign that recovery is moving in the right direction,” she said.

“The recovery specialists from across government and industry are collaborating to help people with their enquiries, which have mainly been around insurance claims, building permits and some consumer protection issues, especially as work begins to rebuild.”

The information sessions will again take advantage of Geraldton’s role as a central hub for surrounding communities living within the boundary of the City of Greater Geraldton.

Recovery Assistance Sessions Details:

TUESDAY 19 JULY

Mullewa Town Hall

8 Jose Street

10am to 2pm

Bookings: email: SerojaGeraldton@dfes.wa.gov.au or phone: 0448 354 239

WEDNESDAY 20 JULY

Perenjori Town Hall

52 & 56 Fowler Street

9.30am to 11.30am

Bookings: email: SerojaMorawa@dfes.wa.gov.au or phone: 0459 966 311

WEDNESDAY 20 JULY

Mingenew Recreation Centre

50 Midlands Road

1.45pm to 3.45pm

Bookings: email: SerojaMorawa@dfes.wa.gov.au or phone 0459 966 311

THURSDAY 21 JULY

Geraldton QEII Seniors and Community Centre

88 Durlacher Street

9.30am to 4pm

Bookings: email: SerojaGeraldton@dfes.wa.gov.au or phone: 0448 354 239

Agency and organisation representatives in attendance:

• Department of Fire and Emergency Services – Recovery and Resilience Grants Team
• Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage – Heritage Grants Team
• Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development – Primary Producer Grants Team
• Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety – Consumer Protection
• Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety – Building and Energy
• Department of Communities
• Legal Aid
• Master Builders Association
• Rural West – Financial and Business Advisors
• Australian Red Cross
• Insurance Council of Australia

Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/recovery to find out more about Cyclone Seroja recovery assistance.

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9395 9543