Bushfire—Geraldton
Mid West Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
Statement
Mrs Kirrilee Warr (Geraldton) (12:56 pm): In the wake of the emergency-level bushfire in Geraldton, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to every frontline and behind the scenes worker who stepped up when our community needed them most. To our volunteer and career firefighters—especially the farmers who put down tools during the busy harvest period—volunteers, police, State Emergency Service crews, and St John responders: your courage on the ground kept people safe and homes protected under enormously difficult conditions. You put yourselves in harm's way without hesitation, and our community is stronger because of you.
To the teams working tirelessly behind the scenes—the City of Greater Geraldton staff, the emergency coordination centre, evacuation centre volunteers, communications officers, ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt broadcasters and support workers—your organisation, calm, and commitment ensured people had somewhere safe to go, information they could trust, and the help they needed in real time.
My thoughts are also with Nick Morgan and his partner, Lyn, who have completely lost their home and belongings, and with others who have suffered severe property damage, some who have homes now unliveable. Your community stands with you. Geraldton pulls together in tough moments, and this week has shown that spirit at its best. On behalf of our community, thank you for your dedication, your professionalism and your heart.
The Mid West Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards are also a highlight on the Geraldton calendar, and last Saturday was no exception. These awards celebrate the innovation, resilience and community spirit that defines businesses across Geraldton and the wider Mid-West. Our local operators, large and small, continue to show what regional enterprises can achieve when passion meets hard work, whether it is driving local jobs, supporting our sporting clubs or backing community initiatives. I want to congratulate all nominees and finalists. Your commitment to excellence lifts our whole region and inspires the next generation of business leaders.
