Chaplains Assist With Bushfire Recovery

In January and February this year, multiple bushfires raged across the state of Victoria. This is real life story shows how chaplaincy plays an important role in supporting school communities. This story is shared thanks to Korus Connect’s chaplain Ruby-Anne*

Our rural community in Central Victoria was one of four schools in the area, impacted by devastating bushfires that caused significant damage and loss. We are about 100kms from Melbourne and have a population of 1000 people. In total, 35 houses were destroyed, including four homes belonging to students from our school. Another school in the area had 15 families directly affected.

For those families, the fires did not just take away buildings — they took away memories, personal belongings, and the sense of security that a home provides.

As a Chaplain, I worked to support students and teachers as well as the wider communities. I did this by checking in with families who were evacuated and relocated to safety or lost homes; listening to their individual experiences and making referrals to mental health or other services. 

I attended the relief centers, churches and community meeting places to support the recovery efforts so families could receive basic food, clothing and hygiene items. All this activity strengthens community and helps families re-build their lives.

I was regularly in discussion with the Principal and Wellbeing Team members to see what type of student support could be put in place. All this occurred just before the school year began, so many students are experiencing grief, loss, anxiety and other heightened emotions.

During term, I ran a lunchtime program about grief and other social activities where students could meet in a safe space and discuss their thoughts and feelings. I am encouraging students to find normal routines and hobbies to manage this disruption to life and re-gain a sense of security. It's both a physical and emotional journey.

I will also be meeting with other chaplains in the region, for peer support and swapping ideas next month. I also had regular check-ins with my manager to support my own wellbeing though this challenging time. I am thankful for the privilege of serving the school community in this way.

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*Name changed for privacy.