- Free mosquito repellent dispensers available for community groups in high-risk regions from today
- Trial in Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne before State-wide rollout in 2026
- Launched in honour of Peter Blackaby as part of Fight the Bite awareness campaign
- New campaign to raise awareness of potentially fatal mosquito-borne diseases
WA Health has launched a new initiative to help raise awareness of, and protect communities from, serious and potentially fatal mosquito-borne diseases, with free repellent dispensers available for eligible groups in high-risk areas as part of an initial trial.
The pilot program will run across the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne regions, providing easy access to mosquito repellent. It is being launched in time for the "grey nomad" travel season - when older travellers, who are at greater risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne disease, head north during winter.
A full State-wide rollout of the free repellent dispenser initiative is planned for 2026.
The initiative is dedicated to Peter Blackaby, who lost his life to Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) in 2023. His wife, Sonia, has been a strong advocate for mosquito-borne disease awareness and will feature in a new Fight the Bite campaign, sharing powerful personal stories from affected families.
Since 2023, there have been 12 cases of MVE in Western Australia, resulting in five deaths.
The northern dry season (winter) generally represents a lower risk period for mosquito-borne viruses, however 2025 has been an unusual year. The Department of Health's mosquito and sentinel chicken surveillance programs continue to detect MVE virus activity.
Residents and travellers heading north need to continue taking extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, and applying an effective insect repellent.
Eligible community organisations such as sporting clubs, caravan parks, outdoor cinemas, and alfresco venues in high risks areas are encouraged to apply for a free dispenser through the WA Health website.
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Murray Valley encephalitis is a rare but potentially fatal disease, and this initiative ensures Peter's story continues to make a difference.
"The Fight the Bite campaign is raising awareness through real stories affecting everyday Western Australians, and I encourage everyone to take action against mosquito bites.
"I'd also like to thank Sonia for her continued advocacy raising awareness for mosquito-borne disease and believe by working together we can make a difference."
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"Mosquito-borne diseases can have lifelong effects, and that's why it's so important we prioritise prevention.
"This program provides mosquito repellent in key locations where the risk of mosquito bites is highest, helping communities stay protected.
"The Cook Government will continue to support initiatives that keep Western Australians well, including in regional and remote areas."
