news, national
Just listen. That’s the advice from trauma experts on how to help those affected by the looming anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires. The February 2009 fires killed 173 people, injured another 400 and destroyed more than 2000 homes. Through the Victorian government’s Better Health Channel podcast, trauma expert Rob Gordon and community recovery expert Anne Leadbeater offer advice for those distressed. “Talking about Black Saturday can be very difficult for some but talking can be the best healer,” Ms Leadbeater said. “Sometimes, just giving people an opportunity to feel heard is enough to make a big difference.” Dr Gordon advised people to make a plan about how they wanted to reflect and commemorate the tragedy. “It will give you a greater sense of control, it will give you a sense of history, of survival,” he said. “Some people might like to come down to the official process, other people might like to go to the local event, other people might like to just…
