News Corp announces $1m mental health grant to help bushfire recovery

A grassroots organisation helping communities around the nation battered by the summer of fires has been given $1 million by News Corp Australia.

News Corp Australia has announced a landmark $1 million mental health and wellbeing grant has been awarded to grassroots organisation Rural and Remote Mental Health (RRMH).

The grant will deliver mental health literacy and suicide prevention training in bushfire-affected communities over the coming two years, starting early in 2022.

Many communities and individuals around the nation are still coming to grips with the psychological impact of the 2019-2020 Black Summer.

Almost 19 million hectares burned in Queensland and interstate, 6000 buildings were destroyed, three billion native animals died and 34 people lost their lives.

The cost has been estimated at more than $4.5 billion, but that does not include the massive impact on mental wellbeing which is still being keenly felt.

RRMH chief executive Joe Hooper.

The grant is particularly significant considering the state of mental health in rural Australia, with people outside the capital cities 1.5 times more likely to commit suicide. The rate increases with remoteness.

The $1 million grant takes News Corp Australia’s total donations to assist the ongoing recovery of bushfire areas to $4.3 million.

“Rural & Remote Mental Health is thrilled to be partnering with News Corp Australia as a recipient of its Mental Health and Wellbeing Grant,’’ RRMH chief executive Joe Hooper said.

“With News Corp’s generous support, we will deliver mental health literacy and suicide prevention programs in bushfire affected communities over the next two years.

“Many areas impacted by the 2019 Black Summer bushfires are struggling to recover.

“The significant devastation includes the loss of crops, livestock, homes and livelihoods.’’

News Corp Australia’s Community Ambassador, Penny Fowler, said the grant aimed to address one of the biggest challenges facing Australia and, in particular, rural and regional communities.

Rural Minds presenter Leanne Jennings in Dargo in regional Victoria.

“Droughts, floods, bushfires and a global pandemic have dealt relentless devastation and hardship, unleashing a storm of community challenges ranging from basic human needs for shelter, food and survival through to the silent killers lurking in the shadows,’’ Mrs Fowler said.

“News Corp Australia has extensively supported the immediate recovery, but communities were telling us of a greater challenge.

“While many Australians have moved on from the ‘forgotten crisis’, those in rural and remote communities are constantly reminded of the trauma and devastation of those horrific months, causing significant impacts on mental health.

“This latest funding will make a tangible difference to the lives and livelihoods of those in bushfire-impacted communities, as well as transforming Rural & Remote Mental Health’s capacity to deliver their vital services.”.

A Rural Minds community workshop in Atherton in far north Queensland.

Mr Hooper echoed her concerns, saying many communities still faced massive economic hardship.

“There are still challenges rebuilding properties, businesses and industries,’’ he said.

“As we head into another fire season, rates of mental ill-health and trauma are likely to rise. “Early identification and intervention are critical to saving lives of people who are struggling mentally or emotionally.

“Our mission is to improve the mental wellbeing of rural and remote Aussies, who are at greater risk of suicide.’’

Originally published as News Corp announces $1m mental health grant to help bushfire recovery