The initiative, set to expand to four more schools this season, incorporates the Mosquito Wise program, where students engage with materials designed to highlight mosquito-related health risks and empower them to take preventative actions at home.

During the program, City Health Officers led an interactive presentation on mosquito dangers and prevention, followed by a hands-on inspection where students used checklists to identify mosquito habitats around campus. Each student received a checklist and fact sheet to take home, to conduct a backyard audit with their families. They also gained insight into the City’s mosquito monitoring efforts by assisting in setting up traps, then examining captured mosquitoes under a microscope to identify species and assess their disease-carrying risks, including Ross River Virus.

Mayor Margaret Thomas highlighted the importance of empowering our younger residents “Our Mosquito Wise program not only educates students on the dangers posed by mosquitoes but also empowers them to play an active role in protecting their families and communities,” said Mayor Thomas.

“Through hands-on activities and real-life applications, students gain valuable insights into the City’s mosquito monitoring efforts, building awareness of the simple actions we can all take to reduce mosquito risks at home.”

To conclude the session, prizes were awarded to students who demonstrated strong understanding and leadership during the activities, and the classroom was gifted a large bottle of RID mosquito repellent for future school excursions.

The Mosquito Wise program aligns with the City’s Safe & Healthy Kalamunda, a plan for the City’s health and wellbeing, which prioritises community education and health promotion. The City is proud to deliver programs that empower young residents to take active roles in safeguarding public health.

For more information visit www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au or phone the City of Kalamunda on 9257 9999 or email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.