The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program and Our Role in Natural Disasters in Northern NSW
Tracks
Bluewater II - In-Person
| Thursday, November 7, 2024 |
| 11:20 AM - 11:50 AM |
| Bluewater II |
Overview
Steve Carrigg and Samantha Osborne, Northern NSW Local Health District
Presenter
Steve Carrigg
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program Coordinator
Northern NSW Local Health District
The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program and Our Role in Natural Disasters in Northern NSW
Abstract
In early 2022, the northern rivers region of NSW experienced catastrophic flooding. This disaster has now been recognised as the second worst natural disaster in Australia’s post colonised history after Tropical Cyclone Tracy in 1974.
In this presentation by northern NSW Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Coordinators, Steve Carrigg and Samantha Osborne, will discuss preparedness, response and recovery at a community and individual level and what can be done to significantly improve mental health outcomes. The strategies and learnings we will share extend beyond the immediate crises, ensuring that communities are not just recovering but thriving in the aftermath of adversity.
Rural and remote communities are often more vulnerable to natural disasters such as bushfire, flood and drought due to a range of factors including geographical factors, climatic conditions, sparse population density, limited access to support, services and economic dependence on natural resources, to name a few.
RAMHP is a crucial pillar of support for rural and remote communities in NSW during times of severe adversity and natural disasters.
RAMHP has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges being faced locally and the ability to tailor assistance to specific community needs. RAMHP focusses on preparedness but is also available to provide support during the response and recovery post disaster.
Three Key Learnings:
1. The role of local mental health professionals in preparedness, response and recovery from disasters.
2. What mental health preparedness looks like in rural communities.
3. Challenges that need to be addressed as these natural disasters become increasingly common with climate change.
In this presentation by northern NSW Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Coordinators, Steve Carrigg and Samantha Osborne, will discuss preparedness, response and recovery at a community and individual level and what can be done to significantly improve mental health outcomes. The strategies and learnings we will share extend beyond the immediate crises, ensuring that communities are not just recovering but thriving in the aftermath of adversity.
Rural and remote communities are often more vulnerable to natural disasters such as bushfire, flood and drought due to a range of factors including geographical factors, climatic conditions, sparse population density, limited access to support, services and economic dependence on natural resources, to name a few.
RAMHP is a crucial pillar of support for rural and remote communities in NSW during times of severe adversity and natural disasters.
RAMHP has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges being faced locally and the ability to tailor assistance to specific community needs. RAMHP focusses on preparedness but is also available to provide support during the response and recovery post disaster.
Three Key Learnings:
1. The role of local mental health professionals in preparedness, response and recovery from disasters.
2. What mental health preparedness looks like in rural communities.
3. Challenges that need to be addressed as these natural disasters become increasingly common with climate change.
Biography
Steve has been a mental health nurse for 35 years and worked predominantly in rural and remote Australia in 4 different states and territories. He spent 10 years working in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, the last 5 as the regional manager of the mental health service, followed by 4 years in the Northern Territory. Steve has been involved in the response and recovery for multiple natural disasters over that time, including tropical cyclones, the 2017 northern New South Wales floods, the 2019 bushfires, the Covid-19 pandemic and most recently the devastating 2022 northern NSW floods.
He is currently employed by the Northern NSW Local Health District as the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) coordinator.
Samantha Osborne
RAMHP Coordinator - Northern
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program
The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program and Our Role in Natural Disasters in Northern NSW
Abstract
In early 2022, the northern rivers region of NSW experienced catastrophic flooding. This disaster has now been recognised as the second worst natural disaster in Australia’s post colonised history after Tropical Cyclone Tracy in 1974.
In this presentation by northern NSW Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Coordinators, Steve Carrigg and Samantha Osborne, will discuss preparedness, response and recovery at a community and individual level and what can be done to significantly improve mental health outcomes. The strategies and learnings we will share extend beyond the immediate crises, ensuring that communities are not just recovering but thriving in the aftermath of adversity.
Rural and remote communities are often more vulnerable to natural disasters such as bushfire, flood and drought due to a range of factors including geographical factors, climatic conditions, sparse population density, limited access to support, services and economic dependence on natural resources, to name a few.
RAMHP is a crucial pillar of support for rural and remote communities in NSW during times of severe adversity and natural disasters.
RAMHP has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges being faced locally and the ability to tailor assistance to specific community needs. RAMHP focusses on preparedness but is also available to provide support during the response and recovery post disaster.
Three Key Learnings:
1. The role of local mental health professionals in preparedness, response and recovery from disasters.
2. What mental health preparedness looks like in rural communities.
3. Challenges that need to be addressed as these natural disasters become increasingly common with climate change.
In this presentation by northern NSW Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Coordinators, Steve Carrigg and Samantha Osborne, will discuss preparedness, response and recovery at a community and individual level and what can be done to significantly improve mental health outcomes. The strategies and learnings we will share extend beyond the immediate crises, ensuring that communities are not just recovering but thriving in the aftermath of adversity.
Rural and remote communities are often more vulnerable to natural disasters such as bushfire, flood and drought due to a range of factors including geographical factors, climatic conditions, sparse population density, limited access to support, services and economic dependence on natural resources, to name a few.
RAMHP is a crucial pillar of support for rural and remote communities in NSW during times of severe adversity and natural disasters.
RAMHP has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges being faced locally and the ability to tailor assistance to specific community needs. RAMHP focusses on preparedness but is also available to provide support during the response and recovery post disaster.
Three Key Learnings:
1. The role of local mental health professionals in preparedness, response and recovery from disasters.
2. What mental health preparedness looks like in rural communities.
3. Challenges that need to be addressed as these natural disasters become increasingly common with climate change.
Biography
Samantha Osborne is the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Co-ordinator with the Northern NSW Local Health District, based in Grafton. With 22 years of residence in the Clarence Valley, Samantha is deeply integrated into the local community, allowing her to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders and the community during critical times of severe adversity and natural disasters.
She is committed to enhancing mental health outcomes in rural communities, implementing a diverse range of education strategies and innovative projects to strengthen and build upon the strengths of individuals and to increase community resilience and recovery.
She brings over 30 years of experience as a Social Worker in rural mental health services, excelling in clinical, educational, and strategic management roles. Her extensive experience and commitment to rural mental health makes her a valuable asset in fostering strong, resilient communities.
