Mozzie Aware

23/08/2026

The message keeps travelling. 🦟

I was recently invited to speak with Mitch Torres & Natasha Short on NALIJA TIME with Warringarri Media about Mozzie Aware, Pete’s story and why raising awareness of Murray Valley Encephalitis matters.

What makes this one particularly meaningful is the reach, the segment is being shared through Indigenous media networks across Australia, reaching communities from the Kimberley and Pilbara to the Top End and beyond.

Getting accurate information about mosquito-borne disease to the people who live, work and travel in areas where these viruses are a real risk is exactly why I started Mozzie Aware.

🎧 Listen to the podcast here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/73SEHlGHMS7Rm5sYSwSLm6?si=2sQZCY4KQYaUkMafn_geNQ&utm_source=copy-link&pi=7AE4adjETNu0t&t=1711

Stop Bites 🦟 Save Lives ❤️

19/08/2026

Mosquitoes are the Deadliest animal on Earth 🦟

One bite can change everything 🦟

For me, this day is personal 💔

Stop bites 🦟 Save lives ❤️

Learn more here: https://linktr.ee/mozzieaware

06/08/2026

I’ve met some incredible people on this journey, each turning a difficult chapter of life into something that helps others.

In Pine Creek, I visited The Shed Lazy Lizard where an incredible classic car collection is opened to the public for a small donation, with every dollar going towards Melanoma research in honour of Gareth’s, the owner’s sister.

Then last night in Mataranka, I met Stonie Rockin' Cancer, a prostate cancer survivor who travels the country, performing wherever he can and raising donations for Prostate cancer research.

Different stories. Different causes. The same desire to make something good come from life’s hardest moments.

It’s a reminder that behind so many community causes is simply one person who decided to do something that might help someone else. ❤️

31/07/2026

🎙️ One of the unexpected highlights of my travels has been the opportunity to share the Mozzie Aware prevention message along the way.

A heartfelt thank you to Andrea Myers and the team at Wangki Yupurnanupurru Radio in Fitzroy Crossing for inviting me to share Pete’s story, the inspiration behind Mozzie Aware, and why greater awareness of mosquito-borne diseases is so important.

Every conversation is another opportunity to help people better understand the risks and the simple steps they can take to protect themselves, especially in our regional and remote communities.

Listen here 🎙️🎧 https://omny.fm/shows/kimberley-voices-6fx/river-wellbeing-show-mozzie-special-july-31-2026

31/07/2026

🎙️ One of the unexpected highlights of my travels has been the opportunity to share the Mozzie Aware prevention message along the way.

A heartfelt thank you to Andrea Myers and the team at Wangki Yupurnanupurru Radio in Fitzroy Crossing for inviting me to share Pete’s story, the inspiration behind Mozzie Aware, and why greater awareness of mosquito-borne diseases is so important.

Every conversation is another opportunity to help people better understand the risks and the simple steps they can take to protect themselves, especially in our regional and remote communities.

🎧 Listen back here:

https://omny.fm/shows/kimberley-voices-6fx/mozzie-aware-31-july-2026

Stop Bites 🦟 Save Lives ❤️

Mozzie Aware 31 July 2026

25/07/2026

You never know where a simple conversation might lead.

Today, while enjoying the Royal Darwin Show, I took the opportunity to stop and chat with a few organisations and businesses whose work could play an important role in raising awareness of mosquito-borne disease.

I had a great conversation with “Strawbs” from Unions NT about the importance of recognising vector transmission as a workplace biological hazard. We discussed Safe Work Australia new Code of Practice, and he was genuinely interested in learning more and looking into NT WorkSafe’s current position. It’s encouraging to know these conversations are happening.

I also spent some time with the wonderful team at the NT Health stand. They listened with genuine compassion as I shared Pete’s story and the reason Mozzie Aware exists. It was great to hear about the awareness they’re already raising around mosquito-borne diseases throughout the Northern Territory.

I also chatted with the team from Territory FM , They kindly gifted me a free car sunshade, and in return I was able to share some Mozzie Aware stickers and pens. Another simple conversation, another opportunity to spread the message.

None of this was planned, it was simply a reminder that advocacy doesn’t always happen in meeting rooms or at organised events.

Sometimes it just starts with saying hello.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to listen today. Every conversation plants a seed, and every seed has the potential to help protect someone from mosquito-borne disease.

❤️🦟

19/07/2026

This is an awesome opportunity for Pilbara WA residents and Mining Industry Employees to stay safe from JEV - Japanese Encephalitis.

Thank you Shire of Ashburton & WA Department of Health for offering the JEV vaccine to more people throughout our at risk areas.

Please be aware JEV is NOT the same as MVE Murray Valley Encephalitis and this vaccination does NOT prevent you from contracting MVE. Although they are very similar viruses and are both potentially fatal.

Bite prevention remains your best protection against MVE so remember to:
• Cover Up with Long, Loose Clothing
• Apply an Effective Repellent
• Clean Up Stagnant Water
• Avoid peak mosquito activity at Dawn & Dusk

Visit the WA Health Dept link here to find out more info:

https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/J_M/Japanese-encephalitis

Free Japanese Encephalitis Virus Vaccines Now Available to All Pilbara Residents 📣

Residents across the Pilbara are now eligible to receive a free Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) vaccine through the expanded WA Health JEV Vaccination Program.

The program has been expanded until allocated vaccine stock is exhausted or 31 October 2026, whichever comes first, and now includes:
• All Pilbara residents
• Workers for mining companies with sites in the Pilbara and Kimberley
• Travellers to the Pilbara and Kimberley regions

Japanese Encephalitis Virus is spread by mosquitoes and can cause serious illness in rare cases. While no human cases have been reported in Western Australia as of 3 June 2026, vaccination is recommended for those at increased risk of exposure.

WA Health encourages eligible community members to speak with their immunisation provider about receiving the free vaccine. For more information, including eligibility and vaccination details, click here: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/J_M/Japanese-encephalitis

17/07/2026

The best habits start young ❤️

Just like sunscreen, teaching children to apply an effective insect repellent before heading outdoors can become a simple part of everyday life.

Being Mozzie Aware needs to be as important as Sun Safety.

Small habit. Big protection.

🦟 Stop Bites • Save Lives 🦟

WA Health Dept Insect Repellent advice:
https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/N_R/Personal-insect-repellents



Photo credit Dana Elizabeth Photography ❤️

04/07/2026

This is how you get ambushed in the outback….by Mozzie Aware ! 😄🦟

Today we pulled into the Spring Creek 24-hour rest area in the Kimberley to camp for the night.

Around lunchtime, an adventure tour bus rolled in so they could set up lunch for their guests. Little did they know they’d parked right next to the Mozzie Aware van! 😄

What started as a casual chat with many of the tour visitors quickly turned into an opportunity to share Pete’s story and talk about the importance of protecting yourself from mosquito-borne diseases. Tour guests were so receptive, many from across Australia’s east coast, and even one traveller from France.

The group was on their way to explore the spectacular Bungle Bungles, as we are, so it was the perfect opportunity to remind everyone that enjoying these incredible places also means being mozzie aware.

Before they hit the road again, I handed out Mozzie Aware stickers and pens and we grabbed a group selfie together, a reminder that sometimes the most important conversations happen completely by chance.

This is exactly how awareness spreads.

Not always through campaigns or presentations, but through simple conversations between travellers in the middle of the outback. One story. One chat. One group of people who’ll now continue their journey knowing a little more about the risks of mosquito-borne viruses and hopefully sharing that knowledge with others.

Every conversation matters. Every person who hears Pete’s story becomes another voice helping spread Mozzie Awareness across Australia. ❤️🦟

Thanks to Kaz & Jimmy, the amazing tour guides and everyone on the Adventure Wild Kimberley Tours bus for taking the time to listen.

Wishing you all an unforgettable adventure in the Bungle Bungles and safe travels ❤️🦟

02/07/2026

A special thank you to the lovely Caroline and her wonderful team at Birdwood Downs Station for so warmly welcoming Mozzie Aware and allowing me to set up in their beautiful garden area ❤️.

I’ve been spending some time in the amazing Kimberley region of WA, chatting with travellers and locals about the risks of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly MVE. It was fantastic to see Birdwood Downs already embracing the Fight The Bite message with the Free Mosquito Repellent Stations around the property and their genuine enthusiasm for helping spread awareness.

I had so many great conversations, handed out Fight the Bite activity bags to the kids, and hopefully helped a few more people learn how simple bite prevention can be.

Thank you for your kindness, your support, and for helping make mosquito awareness part of the Kimberley experience.

If you see the Mozzie Aware van out and about in the Kimberley over the coming weeks, come and say hi! I’d love to meet you, have a chat, and help you stay mozzie aware. 🦟❤️

Sonia 🙂