Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

As the worst fires in Australia's history destroy whole towns and the death toll moves into the hundreds, the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma is assembling resources for journalists covering the unfolding tragedy. If you have additions to this list, please send them to webeditor@dartcenter.org.

Dart Resources

Personal dispatches from Australian journalists on the toll on the country in general and journalists in particular.

Ballarat Courier editor Angela Carey gives a look behind the scenes at how reporters and editors are coping.

Dart Centre Australasia's self care tips [PDF] for news personnel exposed to traumatic events, staff care tips [PDF] for their managers and editors and reporting tips for dealing with victims of violence.

The Dart Center's quick tips, in-depth resources and links to other organizations on "Covering Disasters."

"Tragedies and Journalists": the Dart Center's comprehensive guide for reporters, editors, photographers and managers on every aspect of reporting tragedy.

Guidance on mental health issues and how they evolve in regions devastated by natural disasters, from psychiatrist Alexander McFarlane.

Guidance on working with emergency services from Dr. Anne Eyre, specialist in trauma and disaster management.

Scientific consensus, made readable, on the effects of traumatic coverage on journalists, on media consumers in general and on children in particular.

Local Resources

The Australian Psychological Society's tips for coping and preparing for disasters.

"Coping with the Victorian Bushfires" [PDF], a fact sheet from the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health.

Resources, links and advice on how to help from the Australian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Trauma expert Sandy McFarlane's video advice on what bushfire survivors need.

Gary Hughes' brief but powerful article on being both a journalist and victim of the bushfires.