After the Disaster is a podcast series produced by the ABC (External link) drawing on Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC (External link) expertise, and supported by the Australian Red Cross (External link).

After the Disaster series offers practical tips and evidence-based advice, and covers many topics including:

  • what to expect after a disaster
  • what recovery is and when to know you’ve recovered
  • helping children recover
  • navigating insurance, legal and financial needs during recovery
  • what recovery looks like for different communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • how to talk to someone who has survived a disaster.

The podcast series is hosted by Dr Kate Brady who speaks with people who have been where you are, and people who have researched the best way forward. Dr Brady also presents the latest advice for how to manage 'all the stuff' that comes after the lights and sirens have finished up. 

Disasters take time to work through — and it's ok to ask for support. There are often counsellors and psychologists connected to any recovery centre, you can turn to them. You can also go to your GP who will give you a referral to a professional. www.beyondblue.org.au (External link) has a lot of information and live chat facilities. Or you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Access all the episodes of After the Disaster on the ABC website (External link), ABC Listen app or wherever you get your podcasts.

About Kate Brady

Kate Brady is the National Recovery Adviser for the Australian Red Cross, has been a disaster recovery practitioner for more than 10 years and is a Research Fellow with Melbourne University.