With another serious bushfire season threatening, a UNE research team is rolling out support for a small New England community still reeling from the Black Summer fires of 2019-20.
On 28 September, a one-day workshop at Ebor will focus on working together, reducing burnout and improving wellbeing as part of preparations for the next bushfire season. It uses a model successfully deployed in the wake of the Haiti and Nepalese earthquakes and is informed by several research projects into natural hazards and wellbeing, as well as consultation with the Ebor community by members of UNE’s clinical psychology team.
“Our research found that distress lingers long after the bushfires, manifesting in higher rates of depression and substance mis-use,” said lead investigator, Associate Professor Suzie Cosh. “We have tailored this workshop specifically to Ebor’s experience of bushfires, with the support of the Rural Fire Service, including the Ebor brigade.
Our research found that distress lingers long after the bushfires, manifesting in higher rates of depression and substance mis-use.
“It’s well documented that once you have been exposed to one trauma, the next one will greatly increase your chances of getting PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or other disorders as the stressors compound and it also makes it harder to prepare for future fires. Our program, community driven and co-led by Ebor leaders, recognises that residents need to be both physically and mentally prepared to protect their properties, plan for the next climatic event and develop longer-term resilience.”
It’s well documented that once you have been exposed to one trauma, the next one will greatly increase your chances of getting PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or other disorders as the stressors compound and it also makes it harder to prepare for future fires.
Fellow researcher Associate Professor Amy Lykins said, if successful, the workshop could be adapted and rolled out across rural Australia to aid recovery from bushfires and potentially other natural disasters.
Ebor residents are warmly invited to attend the free, catered workshop at Ebor Public School from 9.30-5pm, which is funded by the Black Summer Recovery Grant Scheme.
- When: Thursday, September 28, 9.30am-5pm
- Where: Ebor School
- For more information: go to https://www.une.edu.au/about-une/faculty-of-medicine-and-health/school-of-psychology/research/psychosocial-health-and-wellbeing-focussing-on-rural-communities/the-phoenix-project or contact jrobin20@une.edu.au
