Proposed podcast tells harrowing stories of bushfire survival

An eye-opening new podcast will profile Darling Downs farmers and residents who lost their livelihoods during the worst bushfires Queensland has seen in modern times.

'Speak Out Loud: Stories of Strength from the Southern Downs' is a community project lead by mental health social worker Kathryn Walton who shares stories of strength and resilience as well as mental health and wellbeing information to support Southern Downs residents who were impacted by the bushfires.

Mental health social worker Kathryn Walton is fighting tooth and nail to have the voices of the Southern Downs farming community heard through a new podcast that will tell the stories of the residents’ battle with the devastating bushfires of 2019 and 2020.

The podcast, titled ‘Speak Out Loud: Stories of Strength from the Southern Downs’, is a community project led by Ms Walton and will profile the farmers of the region, and share their battles not only with the impacts of the fires but with their own mental health during what has been an incredibly trying time.

Southern Downs residents are inviting residents to come forward and submit their stories to Ms Walton for the eye-opening project.

Southern Downs mayor Vic Pennisi said the emotional impacts of the 2019-20 bushfires were still wide spread.

“The impacts of a bushfire of that size lingers in the hearts and minds of the community long after the embers have died and the bush has recovered. We all know that talking with someone is a great way to deal with mental health issues and if our stories can help others, then that is all the better for the community,” Cr Pennisi said.

“The 2019-20 bushfires were the worst Queensland has seen in modern times and many people are still counting cost of stock losses and property damage.

“Launching the podcast in June is timely as the bushfire season will be upon us again and it serves as a reminder to prepare physically and mentally for the season ahead.”

The podcast will feature 12 episodes, and printed handouts will also be given to residents, touching on topics like anxiety, stress management, grief and recovery.

Residents are invited to contribute by either sharing their story of recovery with Kathryn who can retell it on the podcast or participate in a recorded audio interview.

Council is also on the hunt for ideas for a concept design for the podcast logo.

Please email submissions to [e-mail] by May 14.