- Free mosquito repellent dispensers available for community groups in South West areas from today
- Expansion follows successful trial in Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne
- Eligible community organisations can apply for up to two free repellent dispensers
- The initiative will help prevent mosquito borne viruses and support the wellbeing of Western Australians
WA Health is expanding its repellent dispenser initiative to additional high-risk areas following the success of a trial in the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne regions over the past five months.
The timely expansion of the initiative will help protect the community against Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, following recent detections in mosquitoes in the South West.
These detections reinforce the need for increased community awareness and access to effective mosquito bite prevention measures.
From 3 December, the program will extend to the Geographe and Leschenault areas, with eligible local governments including the Shire of Capel, City of Busselton, Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, Shire of Harvey, City of Bunbury, and the Shire of Dardanup.
Eligible community organisations such as sporting clubs, caravan parks, outdoor cinemas, and alfresco venues will be able to apply for up to two free mosquito repellent dispensers through the WA Health website .
The initiative will roll out progressively to further regions over the next six months, ensuring targeted support to areas experiencing elevated mosquito-borne disease risks.
The program was launched earlier this year in honour of Peter Blackaby, who tragically lost his life to Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) in 2023. His wife Sonia continues to advocate for greater awareness of mosquito-borne disease, featuring in WA Health's Fight the Bite campaign.
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"I strongly urge anyone who hasn't heard Sonia Blackaby's story to stop, listen, and contemplate.
"The Fight the Bite campaign about protecting the health of yourself, your family, and your community, and prevent mosquito-borne diseases before they can occur.
"This expansion of this campaign reflects the strong success of the trial in the Gascoyne, Pilbara, and Kimberley during their tourist season.
"Recent virus detections in the South West show why access to preventive measures like this are so important as we head into the high-risk season for the region."
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"Mosquito-borne diseases can have serious and lasting health impacts, which is why proactive prevention is essential.
"By expanding this initiative to areas experiencing increased virus activity, we're ensuring communities have greater access to repellent where it is most needed.
"The Cook Labor Government remains committed to supporting programs that protect Western Australians, especially in regions facing heightened risks."
