National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework
Consultation has concluded
Droughts, cyclones, floods and bushfires are among many disasters Australia experiences. In 2020 the compounding impact of these was felt with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian Government is fine-tuning its capacity to assist in disaster situations. At the same time, disaster mental health and wellbeing impacts are becoming better understood.
The Commission is leading the development of a national Framework that will aim to improve how governments work together to respond to and support people’s mental health before, during and after natural disasters. The Framework will focus on providing mental health services during and following disasters as well as rebuilding thriving communities to support good mental health and wellbeing. Across Australia, a variety of organisations are working in this field; this Framework will help harmonise their efforts.
In March 2021, the Commission released the Our Stories: Beyond the Disaster Report that shares the lived experience of Australians following floods and bushfires in rural communities. Read the report here and let us know what you think in the comments below.
The draft Framework is expected to be shared with Ministers for their approval in June 2021.
Droughts, cyclones, floods and bushfires are among many disasters Australia experiences. In 2020 the compounding impact of these was felt with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian Government is fine-tuning its capacity to assist in disaster situations. At the same time, disaster mental health and wellbeing impacts are becoming better understood.
The Commission is leading the development of a national Framework that will aim to improve how governments work together to respond to and support people’s mental health before, during and after natural disasters. The Framework will focus on providing mental health services during and following disasters as well as rebuilding thriving communities to support good mental health and wellbeing. Across Australia, a variety of organisations are working in this field; this Framework will help harmonise their efforts.
In March 2021, the Commission released the Our Stories: Beyond the Disaster Report that shares the lived experience of Australians following floods and bushfires in rural communities. Read the report here and let us know what you think in the comments below.
The draft Framework is expected to be shared with Ministers for their approval in June 2021.
Watch Our Video
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Kate Brady talks about community-based research for the Our Stories Report
Key dates
June 2020
National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework has finished this stage
The work on the National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework is commenced. This framework is funded from the Australian Government’s $76 Million Bushfire Mental Health Response Package provided for the 2019-2020 bushfires.
Aug - Oct 2020
National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework has finished this stage
In 2020, the Commission engaged community-based researchers in QLD and the Bega Valley to gather real experiences during and following disaster events including fire and floods.
March 2021
National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework has finished this stage
The Commission released the Our Stories: Beyond the Disaster Report that shares the lived experience of Australians following floods and bushfires in rural communities. Read the report and let us know what you think in the forum section at the bottom of the page.
March 2021 - Community Forums
National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework is currently at this stage
The Commission returned to flood and fire-effected communities in the Bega Valley and Townsville to share the final Our Stories report and to get additional feedback.
June 2021
this is an upcoming stage for National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework
The final draft will be sent to Ministers for their endorsement of the final report.
