Local fires – one year on

The Australian Red Cross is urging communities in the Scenic Rim to be aware of the longer term psychological and emotional impacts of last summer’s bushfires as many approach their 12 month anniversary of the disaster.

Dr Rob Gordon, psychologist and Red Cross consultant in disaster recovery, says those in bushfire-impacted communities can prepare themselves and take control during an anniversary.

He says some people may feel that they don’t want to think about the anniversary because it’s upsetting, but it’s incredibly difficult to avoid acknowledging anniversaries, so his advice is to make a plan for the anniversary and be prepared for there to be some emotion.