Published on Thursday, 18 December 2025 at 12:48:09 PM
Please attribute information below to Shire President, Cr Linda Balcombe.
The Shire of Gingin would like to acknowledge the significant impact of the recent bushfires in Mogumber and Cullalla and extend its sincere thanks to all agencies, volunteers and community members involved in the response.
Both fires were ignited by lightning on Sunday afternoon, 14 December, while the Cullalla fire was contained overnight on Sunday, it picked up again late Monday morning. The Mogumber fire also intensified on Monday morning after jumping Mogumber Road West, with multiple fire fronts emerging and the incident area expanding from approximately 215 hectares to around 7,000 hectares by Monday afternoon. DFES took over management when the bushfires were declared a Level 2 incident after crossing the Moore River containment line. More than 100 career and volunteer firefighters were deployed across the incidents as conditions escalated due to extreme weather, heavy fuel loads and rapidly changing fire behaviour.
Shire President Linda Balcombe said “These fires have been deeply challenging for our community, particularly given how quickly conditions deteriorated and the intensity of the fire behaviour,” and “I want to sincerely acknowledge the courage, skill and tireless efforts of the career and volunteer firefighters who worked around the clock to protect lives and property”.
A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson confirmed that the fires impacted the Mogumber Mission precinct in the Shire of Gingin. Despite the efforts of crews, seven buildings were destroyed, including the Mogumber Church. All buildings affected were uninhabited and had been vacant for several years, and no injuries were reported. Three additional buildings sustained minor damage and two buildings were not impacted. DFES Urban Search and Rescue teams have since completed a damage assessment of the area.
DFES also confirmed it remained in constant contact with the Yued Aboriginal Corporation throughout the incident, consulting with Elders as crews worked at the fire front. Permission was provided for machinery to be used where required, and DFES continues to liaise with Yued representatives regarding recovery and damage assessments.
Cr Balcombe acknowledged the cultural significance of the Mogumber Mission and the importance of respectful engagement throughout the incident, “I acknowledge the close collaboration with the Yued Aboriginal Corporation and thank the Elders for their guidance and support during the response, the Mogumber Mission holds deep cultural and historical significance, and the loss of buildings within the precinct is felt well beyond the physical damage”.
Yesterday evening, all roads that were previously closed due to the fires have now reopened and as of 12:00pm today, 18 December 2025, DFES has officially handed control of the fires back to the Shire of Gingin. The Shire is now coordinating recovery efforts in collaboration with relevant agencies and the Yued Aboriginal Corporation. DFES has also engaged a recovery group to support the Shire and the local community during this next phase.
The Shire extends its sincere gratitude to volunteer firefighters and bushfire brigades (with some coming as far as Mandurah to assist), farmer response vehicles and contractors, DFES, the Yued Aboriginal Corporation, DPLH, DPIRD, Gingin Police, the Salvation Army, Western Power, Shire Staff and the wider community for their unwavering resilience, cooperation and support during these challenging times.
Community members who have been impacted or who require emotional or practical support are encouraged to contact the Department of Communities Emergency Relief and Support line on 1800 032 965.
The Shire of Gingin remains committed to supporting affected areas and will continue to provide updates as recovery efforts progress.
Shire of Gingin media contact:
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
T: (08) 9575 5100
E: media@gingin.wa.gov.au
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