May 2025 column by State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP
MY LAST column was written in the weeks following the drama of ex-Cyclone Alfred and I thanked all for their preparedness and cooperation.
This time I want to raise the issue of community mental health in the aftermath of disasters. We are still recovering from the natural disaster that hit us in 2022. Some communities are recovering from the 2019 bushfires.
The Black Dog Institute says communities that have faced multiple natural disasters are more vulnerable to long term mental health impacts.
The Black Dog Institute’s report on Mental Health Impacts of floods reviewed 83 studies that found the risk of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, psychological distress, depression and anxiety is heightened in flood affected areas.
The National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework acknowledges that the impacts of a traumatic event can appear months or even years afterwards.
This is something that impacts our whole community as we continue our flood recovery. People can be distressed by a looming cyclone, days of heavy rain, or events such as seeing an historic school building on fire.
It is at these times that I often notice an eruption of anger on social media and heightened agitation in the community as well.
This is a time to remember to look after ourselves and each other, and to know that you don’t have to struggle through this alone.
There are some wonderful Government funded mental health supports in our region that have been provided to help with our flood recovery. Often one of the barriers to mental health care is that those in need of help are reluctant to seek it.
There are the SAFE HAVEN hubs in downtown Lismore, Murwillumbah, Woodburn and Mullumbimby staffed by mental health clinicians. They support people in immediate distress and those who are feeling overwhelmed or vulnerable. These government funded drop-in services are open 9 to 3 Monday to Friday and anyone can drop in if they need to talk to someone or get information on mental health or drug or alcohol support.
There is also the Lismore Medicare Mental Health centre based at Southern Cross University. Previously called Head to Health, this hub was launched in 2022 as a mental health service for our flood affected community.
The service is based at the SCU Health Clinic and provides in-person or phone support for people to access mental health information and services from multidisciplinary care teams. Anyone can reach out for support for themselves or a loved one.
The Clinic is open Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm and is also open Saturday 12 to 8pm and Sunday 10 am to 2pm. The phone line 1800 595 212 is open 8.30 to 5pm.
For young people Social Futures also has the Resilient Kids program that provides a range of support for flood affected schools, young people and their families. The program aims to make it easy for kids and families to access services.
bounce back from tough situation. Call 1800 719 625 or go to Socialfutures.org.au/Resilient Kids.
The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) provides information and links to mental health support for people affected by natural disasters. RAMHP exists for regional, rural and remote people and communities of NSW to inform and connect people to mental health support. There are podcasts and self-help tools on the RAMPH website www.ramhp.com.au
Links to other services are available on the NSW Government website www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery/mental-health-support
CAPTION: Janelle Saffin with Senior Clinician Michelle Garson at Safe Haven Murwillumbah.
