Older Canberrans were emotionally resilient after the 2019/20 bushfires, but many lost faith in the Federal government and were saddened by the environmental devastation, according to two new reports commissioned by the ACT Government.
The PATH Through Life Project, a joint study from the University of New South Wales and ACT Health,looks at older adults’ experiences during the 2019/20 bushfires and the impact of the bushfires on their health.
More than 1,000 participants, aged between 59 and 87, were randomly selected from the ACT and Queanbeyan electoral rolls in 1999/2000. While some have moved interstate, two-thirds still reside in Canberra and the surrounding regions. They experienced heavy smoke, poor air quality, and bushfires.
Many felt anger towards, and lost faith in, government. They were angry and disappointed that the Australian government did not actively deal with climate change. They were dissatisfied with the government’s lack of preparedness for bushfires. They believed the government was unable to handle the crisis competently – they lost faith in the government’s capacity to plan for, respond to, or manage crisis matters to protect Australians at risk, or to invest in equipment and resources. They felt let down by state and federal governments – they did not believe governments put the community first when making decisions, or that support and resources provided were adequate.
“I feel it has changed my life forever, and I may never get over the trauma of it, the lack of control and feeling safe,” a 61-year-old woman said. “I no longer feel that authorities can save us, and it was only luck most of us survived. I felt very alone once we were completely cut off from everyone when the highway was cut north and south of us, and we had little or no food supplies, no petrol, no communications, often no electricity. I felt abandoned by the government and authorities in power.”
Others were frustrated and confused with what they considered a lack of information from emergency services. They felt they were not adequately informed, and information was hard to obtain. For instance, no one could tell them the location of their fire evacuation area, despite multiple enquiries at public meetings.
Many lost houses and properties, including holiday houses, to bushfires.
“We lost everything,” a 62-year-old woman remembered. “Our home and all our belongings. Our sheds with every tool my hubby owned. Our machinery. EVERYTHING WE OWNED.”
Others suffered financially: the closure of business and institutions meant they could not work and receive wages or income.
Others lost water, power, and landline and internet services, or could not travel due to road closures in fire-affected areas.
Many were saddened that millions of animals were killed in the fires, and beloved national parks were destroyed.
“I’m deeply upset by such extensive loss of our National Parks and so much of our wildlife and biodiversity,” a 63-year-old woman said. “Our whole landscape has changed on a massive scale. There are few areas where wildlife was unaffected, few places where wildlife can breed normally and have their young expand into the devastated areas. It feels like Australia will never be the same again. All those family camping trips in the bush, listening to birds and watching wombats at night, are no longer possible for me and my grandchildren. Whole communities have been displaced and disrupted.”
The bushfires affected physical and mental health. Participants complained of smoke inhalation, chronic airways disease, eye problems, headaches, vitamin D deficiency, and lack of fitness / weight gain because of reduced physical activity. Others suffered anxiety, fear, trauma, helplessness, upset, and worry – because of perpetual media coverage, having to pack up and be ready for evacuation, or anxiety about family and friends.
“My husband volunteers with RFS, and I was anxious about him,” a 60-year-old woman said. “A friend’s husband ended up in hospital from injuries while fire fighting, two friends with farms were seriously impacted by fires, at times frightened for their lives, and our own 40 acres block was not too far from the fires. Also, another friend’s elderly mother and her dog needed temporary evacuation. So it all felt very serious, even while I was safe in [ACT suburb].”
“Friend was in the valley that took a big hit with the fires,” an 84-year-old man said. “I felt concern and saddened for my friend and all he lost, and then he had a stroke, too, which was devastating. I felt very helpless.”
However, while mental health (depression and anxiety) worsened during the bushfire period, it returned to pre-bushfire levels afterwards.
Those who experienced poorer mental health outcomes during the bushfires, such as people directly exposed to the fires, still scored on the lower range of mental distress.
Participants appreciated what and whom they have in their lives, as well as those who helped them and others in need.
Many were grateful for emergency services, defence personnel, and fire fighters who helped them when they were in need.
“A great deal of empathy exists in the community for them,” a 63-year-old woman said. “That remains a positive from all the devastation. Thanks to our wonderful emergency services and fire fighters for their heroism.”
Others were given help and emergency shelter by neighbours and other community members, while some thanked state and territory governments for how they managed the bushfires.
“Very glad that State and Territory administrators have remedied all the issues that contributed to 2003 fires in Canberra,” a 61-year-old man said. “Very grateful for much higher quality information from State services about fires and threats. Emergency services kept me well informed.”
Some found a new appreciation of things they took for granted: families, friends, and fresh air to breathe.
“It made me realise how important our families and friends are,” a 64-year-old woman said. “When it looked like we would lose our home (we didn’t), I was surprised at how it wasn’t important to me. What was important was that our family and friends were safe.”
Others, however, changed their perspectives about nature, their preparation for bushfires, and the feeling of having control in life.
“I used to think it was possible to survive almost any bush fire, provided you were well-prepared and had plans (A, B, C),” a 60-year-old woman said. “After seeing the news items about what happened to people and towns and having witnessed the pyro-cumulous clouds generated by the fires, and the blackened atmosphere due to all the ash, I don’t have that belief anymore.”
Nevertheless, feeling prepared for natural disasters was associated with better mental and social health outcomes after the bushfires.
Emma Davidson MLA, Minister for Mental Health, said the reports highlighted the importance of Canberrans looking after their wellbeing during stressful events.
“With the recent 20th anniversary of the 2003 bushfires, it is fitting we reflect on the mental health challenges associated with natural disasters such as bushfires,” Ms Davidson said.
“While it is encouraging to see the positive results in these reports for older Canberrans, I cannot overstate how living through a natural disaster, even when you’re not directly affected by it, can have a severe impact on your physical and mental health.
“Following a bushfire event, people are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and reduced lung function.
“I encourage anyone who is struggling during this time, whether it be from memories of the 2003 bushfire anniversary, or for any other reasons, to reach out to local support services.”
For mental health support services in the ACT, visit: health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/office-mental-health-and-wellbeing/need-help
