- Marine Rescue Kalbarri officially returns home following rebuild of headquarters damaged by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja
- Facility to house radio communications for the group’s 31 volunteers
Marine Rescue Kalbarri has officially reopened its operational headquarters in a milestone for the Mid-West community.
The building was extensively damaged by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja in 2021, with volunteers operating from a temporary facility, adjacent to the site, while the building was repaired and refitted.
The Marine Rescue volunteer group is now fully operational in familiar surrounds following the rebuild.
Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster visited Kalbarri on Saturday to mark the occasion, alongside volunteers and Department of Fire and Emergency Services staff.
Marine Rescue Kalbarri was established in the 1970s and its members are renowned for the integral role they play in community marine safety in the Mid-West region.
Led by long-standing Commander Barry Kennewell, Marine Rescue Kalbarri’s 31 volunteers have attended 11 incidents in the past year, contributing more than 78 operational hours.
As stated by Acting Emergency Services Minister Sue Ellery:
“Despite losing access to its headquarters, Marine Rescue Kalbarri continued to keep boaties in the Mid-West community safe operating out of a temporary base organised by DFES.
“The group can be incredibly proud that it was able to maintain its high-quality service while the State Government returned its headquarters to its former glory.”
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster:
“Completing this project is an important step forward in Kalbarri’s recovery journey.
“Marine Rescue Kalbarri provide a crucial service to the local community, and it’s great to see them up and running in their rebuilt home.”
