Members reconnect at Bendoc event

 

An event at Bendoc has provided emergency services members with the opportunity to reconnect following the Black Summer fires.

 

The barbeque, held at Bendoc station, brought together members from Mt Delegate Group including Bendoc, Bonang and Goongerah brigades, Forest Industry Brigades and RFS NSW.

They were joined by District 11 staff including Commander Don Tomkins, RBASO Kylie Findley, BASO Anthony Cousin, VMO Chris Lewis, Finance Officer Stephanie Flanagan and DSO Aimee Van Der Beers.

Members from DELWP, VICPOL, VICSES and representatives from the Shire of Gippsland also attended.

RBASO Kylie Findley said the event was important for members in the region who were able to use the opportunity to share their experiences from the fires – some for the first time.

“The communities are quite isolated and access is very limited. Many members haven’t had the chance to catch up in person since they fought the fires alongside each other,” Kylie said.

“There were lots of conversations about how people faired during and after the fires - where they went, who evacuated, who stayed and what they did.

“There were many stories shared which is so important. Just having someone to talk to and listen to your story can lead to healing.

“Bendoc brigade also welcomed and signed up three new members at the event, which was fantastic to see.”

The event was held as part of the EMV-funded SES/CFA Wellbeing Recovery Project which aims to support the psychological recovery of first responders and their families following the 2019-20 bushfires.

The event is one of more than 20 projects underway as part of the project. Some of the activities being rolled out thanks to the EMV funding include murals of emergency services workers, opportunities to access a retreat and events involving other emergency services agencies that have a social or training focus. 

A book will be published about volunteers’ experiences during the Black Summer fires, bringing together stories and images that reflect the courage, sacrifice and hard work that was evident across the long fire season.

The Wellbeing Recovery grant has also enabled the development of an app called CFA thrive. The confidential app allows members and their families to be connected to the resources and support relevant to where they are on the mental health continuum – a scale that ranges from mental health (green) to mental illness (red). For more information on the app visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/thrive  

 

 

 

 

Submitted by	Shaunnagh O'Loughlin