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.
Read the full Media Release here.
Apply for the Repellent Dispenser now.