Dr Rob Gordon is a psychotherapist who specialises in trauma caused by natural and other disasters. He has been a consultant to the Victorian government and the Red Cross for disasters since 1989.

In this podcast, Rob gives us a powerful and detailed explanation of the effects trauma resulting from disasters and describes strategies for healing. He is warm and compassionate, and his examples which all come from his experience over many years, illustrate the complexity of the human response to tragic events and explain why it can take many years to recover.

He explains the deep-seated reorganisation of people's lives as they face the loss of their homes and routines and, in some cases, their friends and family who cannot cope with the enormity of supporting them. And how the stress from the trauma creates tunnel vision as they have to deal with multiple challenges at once, including loss of identity.

As Rob points out the most crucial ingredient of healing from this type of trauma is to have personal contact with others, strong support and social networks.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/con...

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

Peter Hunter grew up by the sea, developing a lifelong love for water, which later shaped his deep connection to rivers and the natural environment.

He began his career in 1977, serving as a teacher and later a school principal, honing his skills in leadership and community engagement.

Peter transitioned into public service, joining the Renmark council and preparing for greater responsibilities within local government.

Elected as Renmark's mayor just before the 2022 floods hit, Peter faced this immediate challenge with determination and a collaborative spirit.

During the floods, Peter prioritised community communication, relied on local knowledge, and led with empathy, all while tackling misinformation and media challenges.

With an emphasis on teamwork, Peter worked closely with local councils, engineers, and even competitors, showcasing the power of unity in crisis management.

Thanks to the work of Peter and others, Renmark emerged with stronger community ties and improved flood preparedness, embodying resilience and hope for future challenges.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/con...

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

Shannon worked initially in business and HR, then transitioned into local government nearly ten years ago, developing a passion for infrastructure while supporting management teams.

As an intelligence officer for the Renmark Paringa Council, she coordinated resources, working diligently with her team to prepare for the River Murray flood's impacts on the community.

Shannon emphasised leveraging local expertise, involving community members in flood response efforts, highlighting their significant role in managing the crisis effectively.

Coordinating inspections and repairs, she focused on restoring damaged roads and systems, ensuring crucial access routes remained operational during the flood.

Shannon's team monitored levees using GIS tools, maintaining a daily inspection regimen to promptly respond to any structural issues.

Ensuring transparency, she led communications, updating the community on recovery plans, and prioritising clear, ongoing dialogue through social media and public sessions.

Post-flood, Shannon applied learned lessons to strengthen future preparedness, fostering a culture of resilience and environmental appreciation within the community.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/con...

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

Shelley Rose was the Wellbeing officer for the huge area affected by the 2022 Murray River flood. She is a mental health practitioner and retired financial counsellor who has been deeply rooted in her local Riverland community for over 23 years.

Shelley's first task was understanding the varied needs of flood victims, from primary and secondary residents to elderly folks moving back to the city.

Traveling across 440 kilometres of affected areas, Shelley faced challenges like inaccessible roads, necessitating a switch to a four-wheel drive for effective outreach. Facilitating everything from generators for essential services to legal aid for insurance battles, she connected residents with vital resources.

She highlighted the rising mental health concerns two years after the flood, as ongoing stress and living conditions affected community resilience.

Shelley coordinated with Sophie Thompson from Gardening Australia to rejuvenate flood-ravaged gardens, including planting donated roses, which offered emotional solace to affected residents.

To assist with building community resilience, Shelley encouraged initiatives like accidental counselling courses and regular get-togethers to foster communal support and mental health awareness.

Tackling everything from mould treatments to financial planning, Shelley adapted solutions to meet the unique needs of each flood-affected household, helping sustain community hope.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/con...

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

Julie Ahrens began her journey as a bonded student teacher, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities in rural Australia. Drawn by job prospects and adventure, Julie moved from to Berri where her passion for teaching and community blossomed.

Julie fully immersed herself in the Riverland lifestyle, cherishing the natural beauty and forming deep connections through local events and initiatives.

With a focus on information literacy, Julie who is a skilled storyteller, contributed significantly to training and development in rural schools during the 1980s.

Actively involved in local activities, Julie fostered strong ties within the community, understanding the unique culture and lifestyle of rural towns.

Julie led initiatives to repair community connections after the devastating floods, emphasising resilience and unity through creative and inclusive efforts.

Her dedication to strengthening community bonds and nurturing young leaders continues to leave a lasting impact in Riverland, building a robust support network.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/con...

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

After being an accountant with the Mid Murray Council, Simone had just been elected Mayor when she suddenly faced a major flood crisis, shifting quickly into immediate disaster management.

Simone rallied the community, organising meetings and delivering flyers to get everyone up to speed on flood risks and emergency plans.

Simone helped to successfully secure State Government funding and support, ensuring that essential services continued, and resources reached her community swiftly.

With insurance concerns rising, she tackled premium hikes, working to address affordability issues for affected residents.

Simone worked closely with other councils and the SES, emphasising teamwork and shared intelligence to manage the flood's impact effectively.

She also conducted numerous very successful media interviews with poise and determination to represent the true situation facing her community.

Throughout the catastrophic flood event, Simone highlighted community strength, focusing on recovery efforts and learning from the flood for future preparedness.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/con...

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

Born and bred in Renmark, Ivan spent over four decades running his own motor mechanic business before retiring.

Passionate about radio communications, Ivan pursued electronics and transitioned into the communications field to avoid heavy manual labour. His expertise landed him a role on the South Australian government radio network, working closely with emergency services like police, fire, and SES.

During the 2022 floods, Ivan's elevated property allowed him to focus on helping others rather than worrying about his own safety.

Spotting potential communication issues due to flooding, Ivan devised a plan for uninterrupted emergency communication and presented it to the council. His proactive approach led to the implementation of solar-powered, standalone communication systems, uniting community efforts and ensuring effective management.

Beyond technical support, Ivan offered emotional assistance to friends and neighbours, providing both practical help and moral support during the crisis.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/con...

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

Tony Sivour is the general manager of the Renmark Paringa Council in South Australia. Born in Barmera, he's a long-term Riverlander who returned after gaining valuable local government experience elsewhere.

Tony worked tirelessly to protect Renmark during the major 2022 floods. His efforts focused on managing the levees, coordinating with authorities, and keeping the community informed and safe.

As flood warnings loomed, Tony quickly initiated the emergency incident management team, ensuring the council was ready to face the approaching deluge. Renmark's levee banks span 38 kilometres, and Tony coordinated repairs and fortifications, involving 350 private landowners to get consent for necessary work.

There was the additional challenge of managing media communications. Local media support was invaluable, though sensationalism required quick, centralised messaging.

Through daily meetings, Tony’s team tackled urgent issues like stormwater management, preventing internal flooding, and utilising digital elevation models for priority decisions.

Tony addressed community concerns firsthand and discussed strategies with veteran residents, reinforcing trust and ensuring everyone understood the situation’s gravity. He liaised with other affected councils, offering insights from Renmark’s experiences.

Managing cleanup efforts, Tony ensured the council’s continuous support to help the community bounce back from the flood's aftermath, prioritising safety and infrastructure.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/con...

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team