In the event of a bushfire, visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter, Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.
Impact on businesses and employees
You may operate a business or work in an affected area, manage employees, or your job means you’re providing services for the emergency response to a bushfire. It’s important to protect your own mental health and be aware of those you work with.
- General guidance for protecting your mental health at work
- Having a conversation with a workmate you’re concerned about
How you can get support
For immediate free counselling and additional support in bushfire-affected communities, there are several options:
Life Line
Dedicated bushfire recovery line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any person needing support as a result of bushfire.
13 HELP (13 43 57)
Community Adult Mental Health Service (WACHS) Margaret River
Adult mental health provides mental health assessment, diagnostic clarification and treatment.
Adult Community mental health clinic. Referral via Busselton Community mental health team. Triage for referrals via phone call to Busselton.
Phone: 9753 6400
Address: 18 Fearn Avenue Margaret River
Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM
Cost: Free
Rural Link
During business hours you will be connected to your local community mental health clinic.
After hours: Monday to Friday 4.30 PM to 8:30 AM
24 hours Saturday, Sunday and public holidays
1800 552 002
Headspace Margaret River
Supports young people (12- 25 years)
Phone: 6164 0680
Hours: Tuesday 11 AM to 7 PM; Wednesday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Relationships Australia 4 Families Program Outreach to Margaret River and Augusta
Focus on mental health of children and young people. Counselling, emotional support, information and referrals, family support workshops Support for grandparents and carers.
Phone: 6164 0600
Hours: by appointment
Cost: Free
GP Down South, Margaret River Community Centre
Free counselling and care coordination for financially and socially disadvantaged clients, maximum 6 sessions. All ages, no mental health care plan required, for people who self-report financial hardship.
Address: 33 Tunbridge Street
Phone: 9754 3662
Email: mhteam@gpdownsouth.com.au
Hours: Fridays only
Cost: Free
GP Down South, Margaret River Community Centre
Severe and persistent mental illness (over 12-month period). Care coordination. Recovery-focused support. Goal-orientated. See information sheet for more details. Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) required.
Address: 33 Tunbridge Street
Phone: 9754 3662
Hours: Fridays only
Cost: Free
Other useful links
You can find additional information on a range of issues below:
- Get immediate, free and confidential support
- National help lines and websites
- Information for families about childcare services
- Mental health support for bushfire-affected communities
- How to deal with traumatic stress
- PTSD: signs, symptoms and available treatments
- Mental health and personal safety in the face of the bushfire crisis
