A human touch in the wake of bushfires

“It’s about having that connection and someone to talk to... That makes a big difference to people who are really isolated and dealing with trauma after the bushfires."

When the 2019 -2020 bushfires ravaged regional Victoria, many residents were left devastated and in need of urgent support. Not-for-profit Windermere was called on to provide support and our Bush Fire Recovery Support Program mobilised efforts to support more than 2,900 residents to recover and rebuild their lives.

In the initial stages of the disaster recovery period, Windermere’s support workers provided affected residents with psychological first aid to recover from shock, loss and trauma. Advocating for appropriate grants to cover essential items and facilitating links to cleanup assistance, financial counselling and temporary housing are among a host of intensive supports provided along the road to recovery.

Not long after the bushfires, the COVID pandemic and lockdowns that ensued over the next two years exacerbated the challenges bushfire affected residents faced.

“Usually, communities turn to each other in times of need and have one another for support. COVID lockdowns added an extra layer of isolation on top of the post disaster trauma,” says Tracy Brazier, Recovery Support Worker.

During these periods of extended isolation, simply having a listening and empathetic ear makes all the difference; a sentiment shared by Lisa, a resident of a bushfire affected region in Victoria.

“After the bushfires, Tracy supported me for many months with regular phone conversations. She was empathetic, understanding and patient, and I could talk about my private worries knowing it will be kept strictly confidential,” she says. 

During this extended isolation, Lisa drew comfort in knowing that there was someone to check in on her and reach out to if she needed.

“It’s about having that connection and someone to talk to every now and then to simply ask how you are going and talk about everyday things."

"That makes a big difference to people who are really isolated and dealing with trauma after the bushfires,” says Tracy.

Tracy who herself had grown up in a rural area understood farming life and its many challenges and concerns. Their common ground allowed Lisa to unburden her worries with someone who could understand.

“Her farming background and love for animals made it easy for me to connect with a person I have never met before,” says Lisa and she is grateful for the vital support given to her and others like her in remote areas.

“This is a great service that Windermere provides and hopefully will help others in need,” Lisa adds.

Lisa is one among thousands of residents that Windermere supported during a challenging time as recovery periods extended due to the pandemic.

“Even with those hindrances you do get to see improvements and the trauma lessening as things start to resolve with time. It’s important to have someone there in the background to ask if they need support and help them through any stage,” explains Tracy.  

Funded by federal and Victorian governments, Windermere’s Bush Fire Recovery Support program offers free and confidential support to eligible residents of disaster affected areas.

*Details changed to protect identity

 

For more information on Windermere’s Bush Fire Recovery Support program visit our Bush Fire Recovery Support Program.