Three months after Cyclone Debbie, Red Cross continues to support struggling NSW communities

 
Three months after the massive category four Cyclone Debbie struck, Red Cross continues to reach out to people in the Northern Rivers still struggling to pick up the pieces.

The severe weather event following Cyclone Debbie caused widespread damage and flooding in the Northern Rivers where six people died, schools and roads were closed, Lismore and Murwillumbah CBDs were inundated and many other towns and villages were isolated.

Red Cross has helped thousands of residents and visitors throughout the region. More than 140 Red Cross personnel have been on hand at Evacuation Centres, Recovery Centres, via outreach and in community work.

"We provide psychosocial support: we're there with a listening ear, a friendly face, information and connection, to help people reduce distress and cope with the situation. We do this at the height of the emergency and for years afterwards supporting the community on the long, difficult and complex path to recovery," Red Cross regional manager Janelle Cazaubon said.

"Disasters like these can be extremely distressing. We're here for the long haul, embedded into these communities to most effectively support local responses to recovery," she said.

"There are many difficulties and obstacles for people to rebuild their lives.  Many flood-affected individuals, households and businesses still don't know what lies ahead due to unresolved insurance issues, despair over rebuilding, and increased lack of control and confidence.

"We're also seeing social isolation and displacement from routine life.  Many people are not back in their homes and are disconnected from their community, family and in many instances their workplace.

"Since the flood there has been ongoing repeat heavy rain and wet weather, which has seen recurring road closures and isolation for many living in rural parts. The continuing rain has also impacted on peoples' wellbeing, with many people practicing hypervigilance, and there's increased evidence of anxiety and exhaustion."

Red Cross has begun Recovery Information Sessions to front-line community workers, giving insight into the normal reactions to an abnormal situation and is running Psychological First Aid (PFA) and recovery training in Lismore and Murwillumbah.

Red Cross is also working closely in the community with Community Neighbourhood and Community Centres, Community Associations, Schools, Local Government and Community Service providers.  Red Cross is supporting upcoming community events in villages and towns to ensure moral support to devastated communities and to help build social connectedness.

"Whether this means supporting community barbeques and other events, door-knocking to check in on folks, or advocating for community outcomes, we're staying right where we're needed."

If you or someone you know has been affected by this - or any - emergency, Red Cross has resources to help you recover at redcross.org.au/emergencyresources. To help Red Cross provide valuable disaster assistance in times of emergency, you can donate to our emergency response and recovery work across Australia at redcross.org.au or by calling 1800 811 700.

                           

 

  

 

 

The oldest rainforest on earth is under threat

The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest surviving tropical rainforest on earth and contains some of the most biologically diverse flora and fauna. Containing 80% of the world's fern family, 40% of Australia's bird species and 35% of Australia's mammals, it is vital to keep this ecosystem thriving. Rainforests like the Daintree are increasingly threatened by climate change and development and need protection.

Within the Daintree rainforest there are 122 animal and plant species listed as threatened. The Daintree rainforest contains many breeds that are not found anywhere else in the world which rely on the rainforest habitat for food, and which certain tree species within the Daintree rely on for survival.

Australia has already lost 75% of its rainforests and nearly 50% of all forests in just over 200 years, and as a result has had a high rate of species extinctions. The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW) is currently appealing to the public in a bid to raise funds to protect Australia's national parks including Australia's oldest and most well-known national park, the Daintree. Ian Darbyshire, CEO of FNPW states that through public donations the not-for-profit organisation has been able to secure and protect sections of the rainforest that were under threat, but there is still much to be done.

For more information visit www.fnpw.org.au.

 


 

 

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

For a truly sublime wilderness escape, it is hard to surpass Uganda, the undiscovered pearl of Africa. A lush landscape of deep lakes, glacial alpine mountains, wide-open savannah and dense rainforests, the country boasts wildlife not found anywhere else, making a safari here an unforgettable one.

But Uganda is perhaps best known for its concentration of primates, including its most celebrated residents – half the world's remaining mountain gorilla population. And one of the best places to see them is Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp located in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country's southwest.

Tucked away on a on a flat ridge deep within the Forest, this exclusive luxury camp comprises just eight tents, and is one of the most remote and atmospheric in Africa. Frequently visited by gorilla families due to its unique location, it is the perfect base for a once in a lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas.

Of course Uganda is one of several countries where it is still possible to observe gorillas in the wild. But the recent move by Rwandan authorities to implement a significant price hike for compulsory gorilla trekking permits from US$750 to US $1,500 per person for all visitors earlier this year has added significantly to it's appeal, with Ugandan permits considerably more affordable at just US$600 per person.

Prof Helen Herrman Recognised on Queen's Birthday Honours List

Distinguished Global Mental Health Advocate Recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours List

Professor Helen Herrman, Head of Vulnerable and Disengaged Youth Research at Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and President-Elect of the World Psychiatric Association has today been recognised with the Order of Australia in the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Professor Herrman, also Professor of Psychiatry at the Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne and Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre was awarded the Order of Australia for her distinguished and outstanding lifetime contribution to psychiatry, public health, and community mental health service reform with her endeavours leading to major advances in scholarship, academic development and clinical practice locally, nationally and internationally.

Professor Herrman has achieved numerous local, national and international awards and recognition, most recently President-Elect of the World Psychiatric Association and is due to take up her Presidency in 2017, the first Australian to achieve this significant international role. She received the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' College Citation in 2010 for contributions to national and international psychiatry and International Distinguished Fellowship of the American Psychiatric Association in 2009. She was inducted to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2013.

Mr Peter Smedley, Chairman of Orygen says, "Today, many thousands of people across the globe with mental illness are receiving improved mental health care because of Prof Herrman's tireless championing of reform and progress in mental health treatment, care and services. This is a well-deserved honour, I am delighted that both professionally and personally Helen's contribution is being recognised in this way."

Prof Herrman plays a lead role in a wide range of research projects that focus on a variety of social contexts, including violence, gender and mental health; assessment of outcomes and quality of life for people with disabilities; depression in primary health care; mental health promotion in children through family day carers; improving mental health outcomes for young people in out of home care; and youth, technology and wellbeing.

At Orygen she leads our research into the needs of vulnerable and disengaged young people designed to improve the mental health of young people in out of home care.

Professor Patrick McGorry AO, Executive Director of Orygen is delighted to see that Professor Herrman's outstanding and ground-breaking work in mental health is being recognised today in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. The esteem in which she is held is clearly demonstrated by her numerous appointments to leading health and mental health organisations in Australian and around the world. This is well-deserved recognition, Professor Herrman brings enormous passion and dedication to everything that she does", he says.