Mosquito repellent initiative expands to Peel and Great Southern

• Free mosquito repellent dispensers for community groups in Peel and Great Southern
• Expansion builds on successful rollout across northern and South West regions
• Eligible community organisations can apply for up to two free repellent dispensers
• Initiative supports prevention of mosquito-borne disease and community wellbeing

WA Health is further expanding its mosquito repellent dispenser initiative from today, extending access to the Peel and Great Southern regions.

This follows the successful roll-out of the initiative across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, and South West, helping communities reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases through improved access to repellent in outdoor public settings.

In the Peel region, these stations will be available to eligible community organisations in the City of Mandurah, Shire of Murray, Shire of Waroona, and the City of Rockingham.

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

Eligible community organisations, including sporting clubs, caravan parks, outdoor venues and community facilities, can apply for up to two free mosquito repellent dispensers through the WA Health website.

The initiative will continue to roll out progressively to other regions, providing targeted support to areas with increased mosquito activity and disease risk.

The program was launched earlier this year in honour of Peter Blackaby, who tragically lost his life to Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE). His wife, Sonia, continues to advocate for greater awareness of mosquito-borne disease, featuring in WA Health's Fight the Bite campaign.

The Cook Government will continue to support initiatives that keep Western Australians well.

Comments attributed to Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:

"Prevention is one of the most effective ways we can reduce the impact of mosquito-borne disease.

"By expanding access to free repellent dispensers, we're supporting communities to take simple steps that can make a real difference to health and wellbeing."

Comments attributed to Health Minister Meredith Hammat:

"This initiative is about making it easier for people to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites, particularly in outdoor community places.

"Expanding the program to Peel and the Great Southern builds on its strong success elsewhere, and ensures more communities have access to practical prevention measures."