The Perth Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF) has been activated for the second time this year following destruction and property damage on the Mid-West Coast caused by Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
Lord Mayor, Basil Zempilas said homes had been destroyed and more than 20,000 residents were left without power after the cyclone made landfall as a category three storm on 11 April.
“The LMDRF is the recognised State emergency fund and provides relief for personal hardship and distress arising from natural disasters occurring within Western Australia,” Mr 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,” he 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.”
Mr Zempilas said the fund was operated by an independent board and donations over $2 were 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,” he said.
He said the LMDRF’s Wooroloo and Hills Bushfire Appeal had now closed to public donations “however, fundraising activities are running until 30 June”.
“Already 66 owner occupiers who experienced the total loss of their homes have received two payments of $25,000 with the second payment designed to meet personal needs and circumstance including contributing towards accommodation costs,” the Lord Mayor said.
“A rapid disbursement of $10,000 has been paid to 62 people who suffered partial structural damage to property,” he said.
