CPS Bushfire Response

Back to school for the community
Counsellors from CPS have been involved with a primary school which has become a hub for the community in the aftermath of the fires. This physical space has been vital for parents, children and residents to come together, to reconnect and support one another.

CPS counsellor Teha Smart initiated contact with the school principal and has since worked with the school, other agencies and DHS to determine the needs of local families. Simply being with affected parents and their children has led the process of recovery and much of her work has been with parents to support them in managing their children’s reactions to such high level trauma.

Responding to parents reporting that their kids weren’t sleeping, Olivia Dwyer talked through relaxation techniques with children. As an art therapist she used her skills to encourage children to express what they are feeling. Working with prep to year 2 children, she set up a ‘bad dream box’ where children could deposit their bad dreams – learning that bad things can seem less scary if you talk about them, and that holding bad feelings and dreams in a safe place is a way of dealing with them.

Initial responses and long term care
CPS counsellors are used to dealing with trauma, however they usually see children further down the track. Of course their experiences and feelings are no less real or defining, but the responses to this very recent trauma, according to Teha, ‘felt a bit different, newer, fresh and a bit raw.’

The response requirements were also different, with the initial support phase often more logistical than emotional: managing practical difficulties such as sorting groceries and paperwork, but all the while offering space and place to talk.

Something in common with the bushfire victims and regular CPS work with victims of abuse and neglect, was the resilience of human spirit: that in the face of difficult and tragic experiences, humans can often rise above and cope. This strength is something that CPS workers often cite as the best aspect of their work – inspiring and moving and very rewarding.

Teha sees the next phase as most likely one of processing emotional responses – for both children and parents. She is hopeful that CPS and other agencies will be able to provide the ongoing support that experience shows will be required for some time into the future.

Community strength and resilience
It seems this community has been committed to immediately jumping back into life. Within a week of the fires a chooks’ pen had been built at the school and people were building garden beds. The community rallied, recognising the importance of school, normalcy and routine as a step towards recovery.

Says Teha, ‘It has been very humbling to witness the giving and supporting nature of a devastated community’. She goes on to say, ‘What struck me particularly is the resilience of children who’ve stepped up to the plate. There are many stories of kids being really helpful – caring for younger siblings in the moment of fires, putting their own anxieties on hold and then taking on responsibility in the aftermath’.

Adults are also acutely aware of the needs of children and even the most under resourced people are offering whatever they can.

Again, it is the response of children and families which sustains CPS staff in their work. According to Olivia, ‘the resilience of the community is astounding, it’s a privilege to experience that sense of care and community’.


For more information on CPS’s bushfire response and a report from Jenny Wing, Manager, Therapeutic Services for Children on trauma and resilience, look out for our Autumn newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, tel 94500 900 or email cps@cps.org.au