Supporting the Wanneroo Community in response to the Mariginiup fires

Image: Minister Sabine Winton with Communities purple shirts Jo Spadaccini, Tracey Watters, Noha Meckawy and Team Leader Mark Schorer.

Department of Communities Emergency Relief and Support Team (purple shirts), North Metro District Staff, partner agencies and service providers have been supporting local residents in the City of Wanneroo, impacted by the Mariginiup bushfire emergency. 

Over the last week, the purple shirts have worked tirelessly to support the Wanneroo community with emergency relief and support services including; emergency accommodation, food and water, clothing, a mobile laundry service, domestic pet care and access to personal wellbeing services. 

On Wednesday 22 November we worked with Department of Fire and Emergency Services to establish an evacuation centre at the Gumblossom Community Centre in Tapping, which has now been a safe refuge for over 210 displaced community members.

Supported by both Federal and State Governments, the Bullsbrook Centre for National Resilience was opened to provide emergency accommodation and continues to be staffed by our purple shirts, alongside our partner service providers. 

With groceries generously donated by Coles, meals have been prepared by; Rapid Relief Team, Country Women’s Association Bindoon Bells, and the Salvation Army. Australian Red Cross continue to provide psychological first aid and Register.Find.Reuinte services and YouthCARE Chaplains are onsite providing support, particularly for those notified of lost or damaged homes. 

Orange Sky laundry are onsite with mobile laundry services alongside Thread Togethers mobile clothing store. 

Communities will continue to stand with Wanneroo community and Local Government throughout their recovery journey as they process the impact of the bushfire.

If you would like to volunteer your time, register online at Volunteering WA to help with; sorting donated items, providing essential supplies and welfare support or you can donate to the Lord Mayors Distress Relief Fund.