State Government takes off the gloves and rolls up its sleeves to fight the bite in the South West

The State Government is taking off its gloves and rolling up its sleeves in the fight against one of Australia’s most dangerous pests — the mosquito.

WA Health is expanding its repellent dispenser initiative to additional high-risk areas in the South West after the success of a trial in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions over the past five months.

The expansion will help protect the community against Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, following recent detections in mosquitoes in the region.

The program has started and extends to the Geographe and Leschenault areas, with eligible local governments including the cities of Busselton and Bunbury, and the shires of Capel, Augusta-Margaret River, Harvey and 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 program was launched earlier this year in honour of Peter Blackaby, who lost his life to Murray Valley encephalitis in 2023.

His wife Sonia continues to advocate for greater awareness of mosquito-borne diseases, featuring in WA Health’s Fight the Bite campaign.

Health Minister Meredith Hammat said anyone who has not heard Sonia Blackaby’s story should stop, listen and contemplate.

“The Fight the Bite campaign is about protecting the health of yourself, your family, and your community, and prevent mosquito-borne diseases before they can occur,” she said.

“The 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.”

Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton said 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,” she said.