A visit to the bushfire control centre to thank our emergency services and volunteers

The Governor today travelled to the Incident Control Centre at Mundaring to meet with Department of Fire & Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm and many of the emergency services, volunteers and support organisations working tirelessly during the ongoing Wooroloo bushfire disaster, and to receive an update on the operation.

Photo: DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm, Governor Beazley and WA Premier Mark McGowan at the Incident Control Centre in Mundaring.

It was a chance to see first hand the extensive network of services banding together to fight the ongoing fire threat and to get a briefing from those heading the coordination effort to bring the massive blaze under control.

The Governor also took the opportunity to express his heartfelt thanks and gratitude, and that of all West Australians, to the men and women on the front line and behind the scenes.

“There is nothing more uplifting than to meet West Australians who step up in extremity. When you see a headquarters like this, it is a combination of great competence in the organisation of a response to a dangerous and tragic situation, and then you also see everyone who gets in behind and helps out with emergency teams and volunteers working side-by-side. This is inspiration in tragedy.” said the Governor.

As well as DFES personnel, the Governor met and thanked workers from across a wide range of services including police, medical responders, parks and wildlife, local government and primary industries.

He also chatted with just some of the many volunteer groups and charities working so hard behind the scenes to keep people fed and safe, including the Salvation Army and the Country Women’s Association of WA.

A final stop on his visit was to thank the many volunteer vets who have come together to lend a hand in caring for local animals and wildlife impacted by the fire zone.

Photo: The Governor is given an update on efforts to look after fire-affected animals and wildlife

“These are a terrific team of volunteers who are following front liners into areas where the fire has gone through to check on the welfare of animals, to see if they have survived, to feed them and to treat them. We are so grateful for their compassion and their expertise.”

The Governor has also reminded West Australians to give what they can to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund to help those most at need and who have lost homes and livelihoods. Donations to the appeal can be made here.

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