Disasters: Bushfires

Bush fires are a devastating part of life for many people in Australia. They have a major impact on the lives of children, families and communities. The impact of a bushfire disaster is felt in the days, months and years following. 

Here we have brought together resources to help those working with bushfire affected people and communities. All of these resources are evidence informed and have been developed with Australian expertise. Many were developed following the 2009 bushfires in Victoria. All ACATLGN resources can be downloaded and printed or can be ordered by contacting earlytraumagrief@anu.edu.au.

Resources for practitioners

General Practitioner guide for management of mental health and related consequences in the Victorian bushfires

 1.82 MB pdf

These guidelines were designed to assist general practitioners working in primary care after the Victorian bushfires. They are relevant to other natural disasters where people are exposed to life threatening stressors and losses. 

Guide for health professionals working in primary care: Supporting children, young people and their families affected by the Victorian bushfires

 150.17 KB pdf

These guidelines were designed to assist health professionals working in primary care after the Victorian bushfires. They are relevant to other natural disasters where people are exposed to life threatening stressors and losses.

Psychological first aid for children and adolescents

This information sheet discusses helpful ways that adults can provide support to children and adolescents immediately after a traumatic event. 

Resilience and self care for principals and teachers

 85.33 KB pdf

This document, by Professor Beverley Raphael, discusses the impact of disasters on school Principals and teachers and why self care is so important.

Resources for Teachers: School Recovery Tool Kit

 564.78 KB pdf

This excellent resource for teachers details the impact that trauma may have on teachers and children, how this may present in the classroom and what teachers and schools can do to offer support following disasters and traumatic events.

School principals: Disaster strategies and resources

 2.06 MB pdf

This document, by Professor Beverley Raphael, gives school Principals an outline of how they can lead their school during times of disaster and other traumatic events.

School recovery toolkit

 564.78 KB pdf

This resource for teachers details the impact that trauma may have on teachers and children, how this may present in the classroom and what teachers and schools can do to offer support following disasters and traumatic events.

Signs of possible trauma in children and adolescents

This information sheet talks about the signs that your child may show if they have experienced a traumatic event. It talks about what you can do to help your child during this time. 

Trauma, Loss & Grief Resources - for use by school counsellors and other mental health professionals working in schools

 139.23 KB pdf

This list comprises resources that have been used by Michelle Roberts over many years as a psychologist and teacher working in education. It includes sections on manuals and workbooks, picture story books, critical incident management in schools and texts for school based personnel.

Links

Community Trauma Toolkit – return to school support for educators

In this one-hour video presentation, Clinical Psychologist Nicola Palfrey from The Australian National University’s Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network discusses how educators can help support students who may be impacted by the difficult bushfire season. This video gives practical advice and strategies for those working in an education setting for the days and weeks following a disaster such as a bushfire.

Updated:  29 March 2024/Responsible Officer:  Director ACATLGN/Page Contact:  Director ACATLGN