Cyclone Seroja two years on: Tourism operator Guy Acosta on the turbulence giving way to silver lining

As the owner and operator of a tourism business during COVID-19, the coming of cyclone Seroja was like being kicked while I was down. I started D’Guy Charters in Kalbarri in 2018, shortly before the pandemic began, and before the West Australian boarders were closed for 697 days. When the cyclone came through, we were in a rental. The roof came off, rain came in and damaged our home and belongings. The damages caused to our home and contents were in excess of $50,000. After watching our lives be destroyed, it was time to tackle the issue of insurance. After this, we were informed we would receive $20,000 — this would not even cover half of our belongings. Of the 140 items of value we lost, we would be covered for 40. Even still, it took six months for us to see that money. I received the $10,000 Lord Mayor grant from the government, despite more than $100 million being committed to the rebuild. This is the biggest disaster recovery package to be pledged in the State’s history, and we are yet to see any of it used. We were told that the government would compensate us for the repair of our van, the pillar of our business as a tourism charter operator. We were initially quoted $17,000, I felt uncomfortable letting the government pay such a large sum, so I looked around. I found a sign printing company that would wrap the van in my logo for $8000, which meant the other $9000 could go to people who needed it more. The work of the SES, DFES and Red Cross offered massive relief. They worked tirelessly with the community, day in and day out. They put as much of our roof back on as they could, while we began our search for a new home. The lack of housing became so bad, our friends and family began to move interstate and to other cities, including my daughter who moved to Queensland. I have begun my tours again, and am now equipped to provide commentary about the cyclone’s impact to visitors. Through these tours, I hope to shed light on the destruction caused and bring some positivity to the situation. Through the emotional and physical turbulence, the silver linings are beginning to show. As a community, Kalbarri is even more close knit. Sharing such a painful experience together has brought us together, closer than ever before.