Serving the community when they needed it most

By Cait McMahon

INVERLOCH psychologist Cath Walker received an Emergency Services Medal last Thursday, June 16 in recognition of her dedication and commitment to mental health services during the Black Summer fires.

Presenting the medal at the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in Sale, were MPs’ Darren Chester and Russell Broadbent alongside RFDS Victoria CEO, Scott Chapman.

Ms Walker volunteered her services to assist the recovery efforts in Mallacoota, following the aftermath of the Victorian fires during her holiday period from the Queensland RFDS. 

Flying into Mallacoota on a Royal Australian Air Force Hercules plane, she stayed five weeks, working tirelessly among the devastated community. 

The type of mental health work that Ms Walker undertook following the disaster was very practical. Assisting both local community members and emergency services workers, in a very calm and pragmatic way. 

Speaking on ABC radio, Ms Walker said, “The thing I say in disasters to people, who often ask this question, is that you are not crazy, this situation is not normal, it’s not your normal.”

“The real psychological treatment starts with informal chatting… and you start to pick up people who might be in trouble or could use help.

“It’s at the pub when you’re having a meal together as emergency workers, and one might be sitting more quietly and it’s, ‘How’s it been for you?’ which is when they get a chance to talk about some of the things that have affected them.”

Cath would listen astutely during those conversations for signs of mental health decline or post-traumatic stress.

Residents and emergency workers often needed some sense of calm and assistance in accessing basic needs. 

After receiving the medal, Ms Walker said she was “overwhelmed” to receive it, but that it was a wonderful recognition that mental health was now firmly recognised as an important aspect of the post-disaster response.