Geraldton sessions for cyclone Seroja recovery to increase access to insurance, legal and building services

Industry and government recovery experts will visit Geraldton for the first time since cyclone Seroja tore through the Mid West, damaging more than 2000 buildings. In the City of Greater Geraldton, more than 250 properties and 45 small businesses were affected by the April 2021 cyclone. The latest State recovery support sessions will provide the opportunity for those affected to speak face-to-face with industry and government recovery experts. The tour begins on May 23 travelling between Kalbarri and Northampton and finishing in Geraldton on May 26. Cyclone Seroja State recovery controller Melissa Pexton said including Geraldton was crucial to the recovery of the Mid West community, anticipating there were many people who would like to have their voices heard. “Geraldton is a vital cog for all the surrounding communities in the area and by offering an opportunity to speak with recovery specialists we hope some of the outlying south-eastern communities will make an appointment to get the support they need,” she said. Ms Pexton said more than 100 families attended sessions in February and the positive results reinforced the importance of having experts visit the region. “No matter what question the community have about recovery, our focus is to offer access to recovery specialists who can provide information to assist their recovery journey,” she said. Representatives from more than 10 partner agencies will be attending the sessions, including DFES, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Legal Aid, Master Builders Association, Insurance Council Australia and local governments. The Geraldton session will be at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre on Durlacher Street, from 9.30am to 4.30pm on May 26. Book your attendance with Anita at the Geraldton Community Recovery Hub, on 0448 354 239 or SerojaGeraldton@dfes.wa.gov.au. Visit emergency.wa.gov.au/recovery to find out more about cyclone Seroja recovery assistance.