Red Cross in collaboration with headspace is bringing David Younger, one of Australia’s leading clinical and consultant psychologists specialising in disaster recovery, to the Northern Rivers this week.

Over four days, starting Tuesday 31 January, David Younger will be holding 10 sessions to support the community in the lead up to the anniversary of the flood. Community Recovery sessions will be held in East Lismore & Girards Hill, North & South Lismore, Nimbin, Woodburn, Coraki, Wardell and Tweed Heads. There will be a session specifically for Business Owners in Lismore and two sessions for Council and Recovery Workers in Lismore and Murwillumbah. There will also be a special session for SES and Red Cross volunteers.

Local Red Cross Recovery Officer, Charmaine Scherrer said, “While the events of 28 February have irrevocably changed and deeply affected communities across the Northern Rivers, we have also seen an incredible community response and solidarity both in rescues and throughout the past year in recovery.”

“Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery mentors say that recovery is more than just rebuilding physical structures. Though this is an important part. Recovery is also coming to terms with the disaster, managing the challenges and changes caused and creating a “new normal”. Recovery isn’t a linear process, it is influenced by various factors, like the disaster itself, strength of community connections, socio-economic factors, support during early and longer-term recovery, and community dynamics.”

“Disasters can have a profound effect on the mental health of individuals and communities. David Younger’s sessions will explore themes of resilience, recovery and growth, and provide opportunities for community members to share experiences, seek advice and learn techniques to assist recovery.”

“In each of the sessions, David Younger will cover personal and community recovery after a natural disaster. He will discuss what you can do to maintain your overall health and wellbeing, including recovery related tips and strategies. Also, David Younger will talk about how communities can best support themselves, recognising that communities have been working since Day 1 to provide recovery support to each other throughout our region.”

“The Business Owners Recovery Session scheduled for 1 February in Lismore is aimed at supporting the business community in their recovery journey. It will provide the opportunity for all business owners to come together to share their unique circumstances and to learn strategies that will help navigate the path ahead.”

David Younger is experienced in working with and supporting communities and organisations throughout the country to recover from natural disasters. In 2009, the Black Saturday bushfires came close to where David was living and working, and as a result he became deeply involved in treating and supporting survivors of natural disasters.

When asked about his upcoming visit, David said, “I am looking forward to coming to the Northern Rivers, spending time with the different communities and connecting with them. I hope to understand the unique lived experiences of the communities in the area following the 2022 floods. With my experience, I hope that I can provide support, understanding and offer suggestions about how to set yourself up for the best personal recovery possible.”

David works using a strengths-based approach, embedded with a message of hope, and lived experience stories.

This series of events is a collaboration between the Australian Red Cross and headspace, National Youth Mental Health Foundation and is proudly funded by NSW Government.

EVENT DETAILS

Tuesday 31^st January 2023

10:30am – 12:30pm: Council and Recovery Worker Recovery Session – Lismore & Surrounds, Lismore Heights Bowling Club, 181A High Street, Lismore Heights https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/512548806277

6:30pm – 8:30pm: North & South Lismore Community Recovery Session, Winsome Hotel, 11 Bridge Street, North Lismore https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/512569768977

Wednesday 1st February 2023

7am-9am: Business Owners Recovery Session, Aardvark Brasserie (Old Uni Bar), Southern Cross University, East Lismore https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/512578645527

2pm – 4pm: Nimbin Community Session, Nimbin Town Hall, 45 Cullen St, Nimbin https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/512590159967

6:30pm – 8:30pm: Woodburn Community Session, Woodburn Memorial Hall, 127 River Street, Woodburn https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/512624984127

Thursday 2nd February 2023

9:30am – 11:30am: Wardell Community Session, Wardell CORE, 3 Sinclair St, Wardell https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/512641503537

1pm – 3pm: Coraki Community Session, Coraki Uniting Church, 5/15 Adams St, Coraki https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/512650289817

5pm – 7pm: East Lismore, Girard’s Hill & surrounds Community Recovery Session, Presbyterian Church Hall, 10 Park Ave, East Lismore https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/512597301327

Friday 3rd February 2023

9:30am – 11:30am: Recovery workers, Social ervice sector and Council staff – Tweed & Surrounds, Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium, 10-14 Tumbulgum Rd, Murwillumbah https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/512560320717

2 - 4pm: Tweed Heads Community Recovery Session, Tweed Civic Centre Auditorium, Cnr Brett St and, Wharf St, Tweed Heads https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/512669487237.