Marine Rescue Kalbarri reopens official headquarters following cyclone Seroja

After sustaining extensive damage from cyclone Seroja almost two years ago, the volunteer group Marine Rescue Kalbarri has finally returned to its official headquarters.

The building was officially reopened on Saturday, after being forced to operate in a temporary facility to continue its important work since the April 2021 cyclone tore through the town.

The group, with 31 volunteers, attended 11 incidents in the past year, and contributed more than 78 operational hours.

Acting Emergency Services Minister Sue Ellery said Marine Rescue Kalbarri did crucial work in challenging circumstances since losing their headquarters, and were well deserving of support from the Government.

“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,” Ms Ellery said.

“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.”

Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster, who attended the meeting, said the reopening was an important step for Kalbarri’s recovery.

“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,” he said.