Topic Tuesday // Life After Bushfires // Tues 19th January, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

[Klutz]

It is awful that there is so much red tape @JLD when people were promised that DA would be free and simple. It has been a pain for many people.

[TideisTurning]

Welcome @KingParrot. I can't imagine how disheartening and plain heartbreaking it must be to see all of that. There may be a lot to do, though it sounds like you've also achieved a lot over the year too!

[Daisydreamer]

@Fizz I can imagine talking to people in your community and being a listening ear would be so appreciated.

Shock is one we have heard a lot on the forums too. Feeling invisible is something we have also seen since the COVID pandemic started. All of those feelings are things that contribute to such a big impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Over Christmas I went to visit family on the South Coast, and was speaking with them about how their friends and family are coping. They mentioned that there had been a lot of people in the community checking in and offering support to each other, and that everyone has been coping differently. That fits with our understanding of recovery too- that every person's journey is different and each person will need different things to cope or manage the ongoing impact. It sounds like you have been proactive Fizz in lending a hand to see how those closest to you are coping.

[outlander]

hi @KingParrot and welcome! thank you for sharing some of your story with us

[Daisydreamer]

Welcome @KingParrot, I hope that you find people who can understand and be a support for you here. We are grateful you have found us 

[outlander]

@Fizz its so amazing youve been there for bushfire victims and giving them a listening ear when needed. remember to take care of yourself too

[Daisydreamer]

@Fizz you mentioned the impact of COVID on communities, and this is also a theme we are hearing through the Life After Bushfires forums too.

Question 3:

What has been the impact of covid for those communities who are still recovering after bushfires? 

[JLD]

@Klutz so far it's only a 2-4 week turn around at council and free, it's everyone else that seems to just keep getting stuck 😞 we weren't insured either (not many out here were) so we've soley relied on the very generous grants that been available but most of that has disappeared and we haven't even started rebuilding yet, it's like where did it all go 😞 

[TideisTurning]

@143 you've been a little quiet. It's ok if you just want to read along, but I'd love to hear about your experiences too. It's completely up to you how much or how little you're comfortable to share with us 😊

[outlander]

@Daisydreamer

In the surrounding communities not only did they need to manage the impacts of the fires but also Covid. many towns surrounding me rely and encourage tourists to support their local bussinesses, unfortunatly with so many travel restrictions etc ive seen many bussinesses have to close or are struggling to stay afloat