WA Health Expands Mosquito Repellent Program to Peel and Great Southern Regions

WA Health has expanded its mosquito repellent dispenser initiative to include the Peel and Great Southern regions. This builds on prior implementations in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, and South West.

The program aims to mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne diseases by offering free repellent access in public outdoor environments.

Eligibility and Application Details

Community organizations in specific areas of the Peel region are eligible. These areas include the City of Mandurah, Shire of Murray, Shire of Waroona, and City of Rockingham.

In the Great Southern region, the program covers the City of Albany and the shires of Broomehill-Tambellup, Cranbrook, Denmark, Gnowangerup, Jerramungup, Katanning, Kent, Kojonup, Plantagenet, and Woodanilling.

Eligible entities, such as sporting clubs, caravan parks, outdoor venues, and community facilities, can apply for a maximum of two free mosquito repellent dispensers through the WA Health website.

Program Context and Vision

The initiative is designed for progressive expansion into other regions identified with increased mosquito activity and disease risk.

This program was established earlier this year in memory of Peter Blackaby, who died from Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE). His wife, Sonia, is involved in advocating for awareness regarding mosquito-borne diseases through WA Health's "Fight the Bite" campaign.

Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton indicated that the expansion provides support to communities in disease prevention.

Health Minister Meredith Hammat noted the program's expansion aims to enhance personal protection in outdoor community settings, leveraging its prior success.