City marks one year since Mariginiup bushfire

First reported at 1pm on Wednesday 22 November 2023, the fire quickly spread out of control due to strong winds and unseasonably hot, dry weather.

It burned through 1,900 hectares in four days, destroying 18 homes and 15 commercial properties and damaging dozens of others, before firefighters were able to declare the blaze contained and under control.

More than 200 residents were forced to evacuate to Wanneroo Community Centre in Wanneroo, Gumblossom Community Centre in Quinns Rocks, and eventually the Bullsbrook Centre for National Resilience.

Mayor Linda Aitken said the fire took its toll on the community, setting up a long recovery process.

“For many people, the fire was the beginning of a long and uncertain journey, not just to rebuild their homes, but to restore a sense of normalcy and safety,” she said.

“A year on, we’re still in recovery but we have come a long way and we’re incredibly grateful to all of our residents, businesses, emergency services personnel, volunteers, support services and City staff who have helped our community get back on its feet.”

Mayor Aitken said what emerged in the wake of the fire was testament to the strength and resilience of those affected.

“The fire tested us as a community, but it also united us,” she said. 

“I’m so proud of the way our community came together to support one another, in dealing with both the devastating impacts of the fire and banding together to navigate a complex recovery.

“We partnered with many State Government departments and support organisations for the recovery process, and I’m pleased the clean-up has now begun.

“Across the impacted sites you can see regrowth and renewal, symbols of the resilience of our City of Wanneroo community.”

To support our community’s recovery, the City donated $100,000 to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund, which helped those affected by the bushfire.

An initial relief payment of $5,000 per home was provided for the homes destroyed in the bushfire, as well as an initial relief payment of $3,000 per home for homes categorised as suffering major damage. Further payments were also provided to residential and commercial property owners and tenants who had sustained damage.

The City also supported affected residents from impacted properties through the Community Recovery Centre, located at the Wanneroo Civic Centre.

A range of support services were accessed at the Centre, including the Department of Communities, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Australian Red Cross, Salvation Army, Disaster Relief Australia and  Legal Aid as well as assistance from the City of Wanneroo, with 555 phone calls received.

With 90 per cent of the City of Wanneroo in a bushfire prone area, it’s important all residents are ready for an emergency and have a Bushfire Action Plan.

The City host regular Emergency Preparedness events, keep an eye on the fire and emergency management page.