Bunbury PCYC among buildings damaged by tornado

Bunbury Police and Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) was among the buildings impacted by the tornado that struck the Bunbury coastal region, situated 175 kilometres south of Perth, on Friday afternoon, 10th May.

Along with the PCYC building, the tornado caused damage to over 100 homes, commercial buildings, an apartment block, the Bunbury Regional Prison as well as the South West Sports Centre.

While children had been doing gymnastics at the PCYC when the tornado hit, no significant injuries were reported other than St John Ambulance advising a woman in her 30s had sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to hospital.

In the wake of the weather event, Bunbury PCYC posted the following on Facebook on 11th May:

“No doubt you all know our Bunbury centre was hit by a severe storm last night while young people, parents, and staff were there. While our centre has suffered considerable damage we are so thankful that no one was seriously injured.

“PCYC’s sincere gratitude goes out to Katie and her Team for the outstanding way in which they dealt with this, working late into the night to keep everyone safe and supported. PCYC also thank the Police and Emergency Services, for their help last night and their continuing support.

“So many staff, parents and community members have reached out offering help, which we are so grateful for. Our team are on site today coordinating our efforts here, but please be patient. Our focus now is to make sure our staff and families are supported, that we rebuild as soon as possible, and we find a location from which we can operate in the interim. Further information will be updated as it is known.

“The support and resilience of our Bunbury children, families and community has been incredible.”

Dolphin Discovery Centre were quick to respond and opened their attraction free of charge to all children under 18 years old affected by the Tornado and through damages, interruption to activities at the Bunbury PCYC and Southwest Sports Centre. This applied for the whole weekend and aimed to make a difference for those who suffered.

The Western Australian Government has set up a $4,000 Premier's Relief Payment for residents impacted - designed to provide immediate financial assistance to those impacted by emergencies, the Premier's Relief Payment helps to pay for food, clothing, personal effects, transport and emergency accommodation.

WA Premier Roger Cook noted "This severe weather event has had a devastating impact on the Bunbury community and my thoughts are with those who have lost homes and property.

"My Government will do everything it can to support those impacted during this difficult time.” 

Moe information Bunbury PCYC https://www.facebook.com/BunburyPCYC

More information on Dolphin Discovery Centre

Image. PCYC building and its roof collapsed, with huge twisted sheets of metal extending into the car park. Supplied