Premier Mark McGowan today announced Melissa Pexton has been appointed State Recovery Controller and head of the State Recovery Coordination Group to assist and support communities impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
Ms Pexton is the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Director Risk, Capability and Analysis, and will lead the whole-of-government approach to recovery efforts.
Ms Pexton is also the Executive Officer of the State Emergency Management Committee and has held positions of Deputy Chair and Chair of the SEMC Recovery and Community Engagement Subcommittee.
She was previously Manager Emergency Management for the Western Australian Local Government Association, and has held senior roles with Emergency Management Western Australia.
The State Recovery Coordination Group is comprised of State and Local Government representatives and not-for-profit organisations.
Earlier today, disaster assistance was announced for communities with widespread damage caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
The Local Government areas of Chapman Valley, Dalwallinu, Greater Geraldton, Morawa, Northampton and Shark Bay are now eligible to receive financial assistance through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The establishment of a State Recovery Coordinator Group is an important step in the long road to recovery for Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
"Melissa Pexton's wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of local communities and emergency services makes her the ideal choice to lead this significant recovery effort as the State Recovery Controller.
"Ms Pexton has spent considerable time working with local communities to build resilience when faced with major natural disasters."
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:
"We know the impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja will be felt by residents in Kalbarri, Northampton and many other surrounding communities for months, if not years.
"The McGowan Government wants to assure communities that we are here to support them as they recover from this catastrophe.
"Impacted communities have displayed remarkable resilience in recent days and the State Government will continue to provide strong support as we emerge from this disaster."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
