The Dandenong Ranges Super Storm: Coping with Anniversaries Artwork

LIFE AFTER LOSS

Series 1 explores the unique grief and loss experiences of people impacted by natural disasters, and how they rediscovered life after loss. Each episode is released to mark the Anniversary of one of Australia’s most significant natural disasters. As a testament to the extraordinary nature of Australians living so-called ordinary lives, we witness personal grief and loss stories that are often harrowing, fascinating, funny, devastating, maddening and inspirational all at the same time. The series also features some of the world’s most respected experts in grief and loss whose illuminating insights, evidence-based guidance and occasional a-ha moments helps make sense of, and normalise grief in all its forms. Life After Loss is designed to help de-stigmatise grief and demonstrate that through connection, compassion and the sharing of lived experience, many of us can find a way to adapt to loss and start living again.

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LIFE AFTER LOSS

The Dandenong Ranges Super Storm: Coping with Anniversaries

September 05, 2022 • Amanda Trotter and Louisa Smith • Season 1 • Episode 3

“That’s how we live our life. What bad luck...lets feel that sadness, but then what good luck ...all these wonderful things that can come out of a terrible situation”
Lilly Markovic, Yarra Ranges resident & survivor of the June 2021 storms

On the 9th and 10th of June 2021 an extreme storm struck one of Victoria’s most picturesque areas – the Dandenong Ranges. The effects were devastating both to the natural bushland and its human inhabitants. More than 25,000 trees crashed to the ground. 177 properties were damaged leaving 76 homes uninhabitable. There are many stories of terror as residents cowered in their homes while trees crashed to the ground …or through their house. Tales of accidents, near misses, and fears of loved ones lost abound. Miraculously, and thankfully, no one was killed.

One such story of near tragedy is that of our guests Lilly Markovic and Lee Burgess. Lilly and Lee bravely share their story of that traumatic night when a huge tree crashed through their home threatening their own lives and those of their four children. In this heartfelt and vulnerable interview, the couple share their experiences of trauma, loss and grief and discuss their response to the first anniversary, while expressing a sense of gratitude for the positives they've found out of such a desperate situation.

We also speak with guest expert Rob Gordon PhD, one of Australia’s pre-eminent disaster recovery specialists who gives a fascinating explanation of trauma in three forms, and its distinction from loss and grief. Rob explores the importance of ritual, marking anniversaries and re-telling our disaster stories so that they become our history.

Thanks to

Lilly Markovic & Lee Burgess, Kalarama, Victoria

Rob Gordon, PhD, FAPS, FCCLP
Clinical Psychologist
Rob Gordon PhD is a clinical psychologist and a consultant for the Victorian Departments of Families, Fairness and Housing, Education and Training and Bushfire Recovery Victoria and Red Cross Emergency Services, he has worked with people and communities after traumatic events for over 30 years throughout Australia and New Zealand such as the 1983 Ash Wednesday and 2009 Black Saturday and Black Summer 2020 bushfires, Cyclones Larry and Yarsi, and the 2011 floods in Victoria and Queensland and Christchurch earthquake; and events such as Port Arthur Shootings, the Victoria recovery from Bali bombings, 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and many smaller events. He is president of the Australasian Confederation of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapies and Director of Training for the Australian Association of Group Psychotherapists. He conducts a psychotherapy practice in Box Hill Victoria.

Co-Hosts - Louisa Smith and Amanda Trotter
Audio Engineer - Daryl Missen, Vinilo www.vinilo.com.au
Original Music - Tilly Vickers-Willis, https://soundcloud.com/tillyvw
Creative Producer - Amanda Trotter