Repellent dispenser community initiative

The Department of Health’s repellent dispenser initiative aims to provide free repellent stations to eligible community organisations in high-risk locations, to reduce the impacts of mosquito-borne disease in WA.

Local government, businesses and community groups are encouraged to make repellent readily accessible to the public to promote mosquito bite prevention.

Mosquito-borne diseases impact every-day West Australians, some of whom have bravely shared their stories on the Department’s Fight the Bite Youtube playlist (external site). Their message is clear: preventing infection can save lives.  

Personal insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), are an effective way of preventing mosquito bites.

Ordering repellent dispensers

A limited number of repellent dispensers are available, free of charge, to eligible community groups/organisations in the following high-risk regions in WA:

• Kimberley
• Pilbara
• Gascoyne
• South-West – Eligible LGAs in high-risk locations:
  • Shire of Capel, City of Busselton, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Shire of Harvey, City of Bunbury and Shire of Dardanup.

Eligible organisations in the above specified regions include, but are not limited to:

• Sporting clubs
• Community groups
• Outdoor cinemas
• Caravan parks
• Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply for up to 2 repellent dispensers by completing the application form below, providing justification for the proposed installation location. Dispensers will be sent free of charge, with an initial supply of repellent.

Order dispensers

Ineligible applicants/organisations include, but are not limited to:

• Retail stores
• Schools
• Businesses at residential addresses
• Businesses requesting repellent for the primary purpose of provision for their employees – note, this is an occupational health and safety responsibility of the organisation
• Organisations that are largely based indoors or in low-risk areas for mosquitoes
• Organisations that do not involve a large clientele base and/or access by the public
• Government and large corporate organisations (see information below)

Government agencies or other organisation interested in repellent dispensers should contact DOH.RepellentStationOrder@health.wa.gov.au.

Terms of agreement:

I understand and acknowledge all terms of agreement outlined below in relation to requesting and receiving a repellent dispenser from the WA Department of Health:

1. The requesting organisation/individual is required to have obtained all necessary approvals required to install the repellent dispenser/s at the specified location/s, prior to making this request.
2. The dispenser/s are being provided to the requesting organisation to make repellent available at the specified location/s described in the initial request only.
3. The installation costs of the repellent dispenser/s will be the responsibility of the requesting organisation.
4. The maintenance of the repellent dispenser/s will be the responsibility of the requesting organisation.
5. All efforts will be made to ensure the repellent station is installed at a height where young children cannot access it.
6. A 'Repellent Guidelines' poster (supplied by the Department of Health) will be displayed near to where the dispenser is installed. 

Repellent dispenser specifications

Each dispenser holds a 500 mL bottle of repellent, allowing communal access to insect repellent in high-risk locations for mosquito-borne disease.

Dispenser specifications include:

• Key lockable and tamper-proof. 
• 14cm wide x 10cm deep x 33 cm high
• 6 pre-drilled holes for securing/affixing to a wall, or similar structure.
• 5mm durable, clear perspex allowing the product label to be fully visible.

Repellent dispensers for local government

Local governments in a Contiguous Local Authorities Group (CLAG) are encouraged to access CLAG funding to purchase repellent dispensers and repellent stock to support this initiative. 

Local governments not currently involved in a CLAG are encouraged to contact DOH.RepellentStationOrder@health.wa.gov.au for further information.

Repellent dispensers for other stakeholders

Other stakeholders, including larger corporate organisations (e.g. mining companies), interested in participating in this occupational health and safety initiative are invited to contact DOH.RepellentStationOrder@health.wa.gov.au. The Department can provide you with costings and procurement information related to each aspect of this proposal.