Rockingham Mazda Ignites the Shacks Spark Initiative to Support Our Volunteer Fire & Rescue Heroes

Western Australia has faced an intense and unforgiving fire season — one that has stretched our emergency services and shaken communities across the state. In 2024–25 alone, WA recorded 5,191 bushfires, burning through 754,366 hectares of land. Around 60 per cent of these fires occur during Perth’s bushfire season, which runs from November to April, making this time of year especially critical.

Here in Rockingham, the recent Warnbro fires brought that reality painfully close. Many of our staff members, customers, and neighbours were directly affected. Their stories — of fear, resilience, and gratitude — have reminded us just how vital our fire crews are, both career and volunteer.

A Season That Tested Us All

November 2025 was a stark example of how quickly conditions can escalate. Across the metropolitan area, 189 fires were recorded in a single month.

Among them:

 

• A blaze at Wireless Hill in Ardross, burning more than 10 hectares and requiring 27 fire trucks plus aerial support to bring under control.
• A significant fire in Aubin Grove, which burned 20 hectares and threatened nearby homes — the first major urban-area fire of the season.

 

At a press conference announcing WA’s summer fire response, Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm underscored the scale of the challenge:

“Some 93 per cent of WA is bushfire prone and every year we have approximately 4000 bushfires.”

His message was clear: preparation, awareness, and community support are essential.

Our Response: The Shacks Spark Initiative

In the face of such confronting statistics — and with fire season far from over — Rockingham Mazda and the Shacks Motor Group are stepping forward with a renewed commitment to our community.

From February 1 to April 30, $50 from every new vehicle sold across our group will be donated directly to the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services of WA. Our goal is to raise $12,000 over the three‑month period.

This initiative is our way of saying thank you. Thank you to the volunteers who leave their families at a moment’s notice. Thank you to the career firefighters who work tirelessly through heat, smoke, and uncertainty. Thank you to the people who protect our homes, our businesses, and our lives.

A Legacy of Community Support

The Shacks Motor Group has proudly served the WA driving community for over 100 years, and Rockingham and its wider surrounds since 1972. Community has always been at the heart of who we are — and supporting the VFRS is a natural extension of that legacy.

In the community, for the community isn’t just a slogan. It’s a responsibility we take seriously.

How You Can Help

Every new Mazda purchased during this period contributes directly to the volunteers who keep us safe. Even if you’re not in the market for a vehicle, simply sharing the message helps amplify the impact.

Together, we can support the people who stand on the front line of WA’s bushfire response.

Rockingham Mazda is proud to stand with our Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services. Because when our community needs us, we show up — just like they do.