New Premier's recovery fund offered for first time after Cyclone Narelle

The new Premier's Natural Disaster Recovery Fund has been activated for the first time to provide critical financial support to those recovering from Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

• Financial assistance available for eligible households, community groups and local small businesses facing ongoing disruptions and losses as they recover from the disaster
• Payments to bridge the gap between immediate support and insurance payouts
• Applications now open

The new Premier's Natural Disaster Recovery Fund has been activated for the first time to provide critical financial support to those recovering from Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle caused widespread damage across Western Australia's north west in March 2026, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and power outages. More than 450 structures were damaged during the event.

The Premier's Natural Disaster Recovery Fund was established to provide financial assistance to victims of significant natural disasters, including fires, floods and cyclones, and has been activated by Premier Roger Cook for the first time in the wake of Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

The fund offers timely payments in tiers, with residents whose home has been severely damaged or destroyed eligible for up to $20,000, and $10,000 for those who have suffered major damage.

Small businesses and community groups are also eligible for a minimum of $5,000 to help with repairs and recovery.

Funded by Lotterywest, applications for payments have opened and will be distributed in partnership with the Australian Red Cross to individuals and by the Western Australian Council of Social Services to businesses and community groups.

Residents and business owners impacted by Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle can visit recovery.dfes.wa.gov.au to check eligibility for support from the Premier's Natural Disaster Recovery Fund.

This support is in addition to the Premier's Relief Payment, which is available to households impacted by this incident, and the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements that was made available to households and businesses impacted.

Households and businesses are encouraged to check eligibility and apply via Cyclone Narelle Recovery - Emergency WA Warnings & Incidents.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"The damage caused by Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle was confronting and created an incredibly challenging situation for the residents across the impacted regions.

"The purpose of the new Premier's Natural Disaster Recovery Fund is to provide financial assistance and bridge the gap between immediate emergency assistance and insurance payouts, which are often provided at a later stage.

"These funds are in addition to the disaster recovery funding arrangements that have already been provided to those impacted by this incident."

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:

"In the face of this disaster, our community has shown extraordinary strength and resilience. This fund will help make sure additional support is available quickly and where it's needed most.

"This is about backing impacted residents when it counts so they aren't left to recover alone."