IN EXTRAORDINARY circumstances that saw much of the state engulfed by flames, volunteers at the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) threw themselves in the face of danger to protect communities.
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Months on from the Black Summer bushfires, as green shoots cover blackened earth, the going has started to get tough for some of them, as the adrenalin that previously hid trauma, lifts.
The RFS has decided to substantially expand its mental health services team and is looking for two psychologists in Tamworth who are keen to make a real difference, RFS North West area chief superintendent commander Heath Stimson said.
"I think the organisation was cognisant of how much hurt in the community there was from the 19/20 bushfire season," he said.
"So we are bringing the support to our people.
"Our psychologists will work with volunteers and staff in the early identification of issues, right through to having big conversations about their personal lives or support needed after events like the 19/20 season.
"These volunteers respond day-in, day-out to horrific and traumatic motor vehicle accidents and rescues, daily bushfires and grassfires, land searches and body recoveries."
It's the second time the organisation has tried to recruit psychologists in the region, and it's hoped the Tamworth base might help attract more applicants.
The new roles came off the back of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which looked at how to prepare for and respond to fire behaviour that "took even experienced firefighters by surprise".
It was recommended that the RFS expand its in-house mental health support, as well as free mental health screens after a fire event and waiving gap payments.
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One recommendation was to create a new Medicare Benefits Scheme item number so the state and federal governments could keep track of how many firefighters needed support.
Psychologists hired in Tamworth would help local firefighters with critical incident support, short-term counselling services, referrals and proactive health and wellbeing programs.
Volunteer firefighters in the region worked hard to protect property, sometimes at the loss of their own.
The aim is to make volunteers mentally strong for the next disaster, Mr Stimson said.
"Support for state firefighters needs to be at the highest level so that mental health and welfare is as strong as it can be," he said.
"So bringing those psychologists into the organisation will help RFS members not only in the tough times, critical disasters and emergencies, but all year-round."
Applications for the roles close on June 20.
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