Clinical psychologist Rob Gordon, who has had firsthand experience working in disaster zones throughout Australia and overseas, will host a talk for bushfire-affected communities in Winmalee to mark the coming one-year anniversary of the disaster.
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Dr Gordon said it was a chance to take stock and reflect on how other communities had fared in similar circumstances.
"It's often a difficult time coming up to the anniversary and my plan is to share some of the observations some of the other communities have made and really help them understand what the first anniversary means in terms of the recovery process, try and identify where they are, so they are better able to take care of themselves," he said.
The event is at the Springwood Sports Club on Wednesday, October 8 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Dr Gordon has spent the past 30 years working with people affected by emergencies and disasters - the aftermath of the Bali bombings, Black Saturday and the Canberra and Tasmanian bushfires, as well as the Christchurch earthquake. He continues to help all those communities, and also regularly briefs authorities about community recovery. This is Dr Gordon's third visit to the Winmalee area.
"Emergencies by there very nature are disruptive and can be extremely stressful," the consultant psychologist to the Red Cross and state finalist for Senior Australian of the Year, said.
"Anniversaries are quite a difficult time. We should expect, then, a lot of people to have their emotions brought to the surface: sadness, anxiety, anger, frustration and regret. A lot of human life is bound by symbols and rhythms and during anniversaries people think about how much time has passed and people work out what they have achieved ... It's very helpful if they are aware and anticipating that and are not taken by surprise at the same time of the day.
"To meet and talk about all of these things helps people deal with these in a productive way."
Tea and coffee will be provided, and meals will be available for purchase at the club before or after the session. There is no need to RSVP but for more details contact danielledohara@redcross.org.au.
A Red Cross spokeswoman said the interactive evening was open to everyone, with plenty of tips provided to aid recovery and also opportunities for questions.