The generosity of community and the Alpine economic shift with Darren Murphy

Although Darren was not directly affected by the 2009 bushfires, he was a member of the Lion’s club in Myrtleford. He describes the response based on immediate needs like water and fencing, helping people socialise and fund-raising. He also shares the problems experienced by the business community during and after the fire when COVID hit, […]

The impacts of bureaucracy on communities after disaster with Ron Janas

Ron Janus, a retired local police officer, has been with the Country Fire Authority for thirty-two years. He is currently a member of the Buffalo River Fire Brigade and a Councillor with the Alpine Shire Council. His major ongoing concerns are firstly that mandatory evacuations are often through unsafe areas. He wants to see local […]

Understanding psychological recovery after disaster with Rob Gordon

Rob gives us a powerful and detailed explanation of the effects on the human psyche of trauma from disasters and describes strategies for healing. He is warm and compassionate and his examples which all come from his experience over many years illustrate the complexity of the human response to tragic events and explain why it […]