Destruction and property damage across WA’s mid-west caused by Tropical Cyclone Seroja has led to the activation of the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF) – the second time this year.
Homes have been destroyed and more than 20,000 residents were left without power after the cyclone made landfall as a category three storm at about 8pm on Sunday 11 April, bringing wind gusts of up to 170 kilometres per hour.
The LMDRF is the recognised state emergency fund and provides relief for personal hardship and distress arising from natural disasters occurring within Western Australia.
The Fund has been activated to raise and coordinate donations to financially support the communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
The LMDRF Board has already pledged $500,000 for the cause.
LMDRF Presiding Chair and City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said it was frightening to hear of the damage in communities ranging from Carnarvon to Kalbarri and Northampton.
“Our thoughts are with the people in these areas and I hope people remain safe,” Mr Zempilas said.
“We are urging the community to donate to the LMDRF to help those in Tropical Cyclone Seroja’s path. We need to all pull together to assist residents and businesses in WA’s mid-west and surrounding areas.”
Through the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund, the community can help those who are affected by this disaster.
The Fund is operated by an independent board and donations over $2 are tax deductable. The costs of administering the fund are absorbed by the City of Perth, so all money raised will go directly to those who need it most.
Donations to the Tropical Cyclone Seroja Appeal can be made:
Please be aware the account number for the appeal has changed and is different to the Wooroloo and Hills Bushfire appeal.
The LMDRF Wooroloo and Hills Bushfire Appeal has now closed to public donations. However, fundraising activities are running until the 30 June.
Already 66 owner occupiers who experienced the total loss of their home have received two payments of $25,000 with the second payment designed to meet personal needs and circumstance including contributing towards accommodation costs.
A rapid disbursement of $10,000 has been paid to 62 people who suffered partial structural damage to property.
For more information go to:
Website www.appealswa.org.au
Facebook www.facebook.com/Distress.Relief.Fund
MEDIA CONTACT: Brooke Hunter, Senior Media and Communications Advisor, 0448 610 834, brooke.hunter@cityofperth.wa.gov.au
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