Your wellbeing resources

Your health and wellbeing is our priority. We've collated resources that will help you on your recovery journey.

Dr Rob Gordon is a clinical psychologist and expert in mental health, first aid and supporting people affected by bushfires. He's been working alongside Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV), providing advice and support for bushfire-affected communities.

A message from Dr Rob Gordon, 1 year on

'At the beginning of this journey, drawing on what people have told me after other disasters, I made the case to communities that a rushed recovery is not necessarily the right recovery.

I’ve encouraged people to take their time and take a moment to prioritise their personal health and wellbeing and protect what they can’t replace while they deal with their losses – because getting one’s life back together is not a sprint.

One of the ways that Emergency Recovery Victoria has worked to help people take time with big decisions is the short-term modular housing program. It lets people live in comfort and back in their community for several years before they decide whether or not to proceed with a rebuild.

The Case Support Program has also provided a real, local point of connection to people in need, and made it easier for those who wouldn’t ordinarily reach out for support to take it up.

It has continued over time – because the most important factor in any recovery is the decisions people make right now, 6 months to 2 years after a disaster.

To bushfire-affected Victorians, I say that no recovery finishes after 12 months. There’s a fair way to go yet. But it will end. This is a phase of your life, not its totality.

By finding a sense of community in your local area, with your passions, and with your friends and family – and by taking up the support that you are entitled to and deserve – you will emerge stronger than you know.'

Webinars and materials

We've collated resources to help you on your mental health and wellbeing journey.

Below are some links to webinars on a range of topics that might interest you.

Dr Rob Gordon has developed one-page documents to compliment the webinars.

The Bushfire Recovery Tips: From Then To Now document was co-produced by Dr Rob Gordon and CoHealth.

Download a copy or read the information via the dropdown selection below.

Check out our Recovery Support page to learn more about the support available to you.

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