In the wake of what is considered to be the worst bushfire disaster in Australia’s memory, affected communities and individuals are still frantically picking up the pieces of their lives, often struggling to meet their most basic needs.

When disaster strikes, the supports you traditionally rely on can fall devastatingly short.

Electricity. Food. Shelter. Communications.

Where do you turn as the longer struggle begins?

Today we are exploring some of the remarkable community responses that have arisen in the aftermath of these disasters, and what we will be dealing with as time goes on.

GUESTS:

• Penny Koethe, who has been helping out farmers throughout Australia for more than a year, and is currently co-ordinating on the ground help for organic farmers through ORICoop

• Mark Spain, from Global Learning, who is bringing people together and facilitating community renewal projects on the south coast.

• Andrew Dale from The G-Spot food van in Gungahlin, who has helped organise the gathering of food, water, supplies, white goods, furniture, vehicles and basic shelter from the Canberra community, delivering them to fire ravaged towns

• Kate Tonacia and Fanji Stradwick from PTSD - picking up the peaces, an ex police officer and ex ambulance officer, who have been involved in PTSD support and help for the past 11 years.

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