The Disaster Response Network (DRN) is a national network of APS psychologists who have a special interest, and self-nominated expertise in working with individuals and communities affected by disasters and emergencies in Australia, as well as those working to assist them.  The DRN was established in response to the Black Saturday Victorian bushfires of 7 February 2009.  In the days following the fires, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) received calls from hundreds of members offering their services and support to victims. The APS also received a number of calls from emergency response agencies, including The Red Cross (ARC), inquiring about additional support to assist with the recovery effort. The APS responded by establishing the disaster network for members to register their interest and expertise in disaster recovery. 

DRN Aims

The primary aims of the DRN are to support members who want to contribute to disaster response or who are interested in further training or experience in the field, as well as to support organisations seeking psychologists to work with communities and individuals affected by a disaster. 
The DRN will be used as a contact hub to:

  • Approach members who might be in a position to work with people in disaster situations, primarily as a volunteer, occasionally in a paid capacity
  • Facilitate referrals for people seeking psychologists to work with individuals, families, groups or organisations
  • Inform members of training opportunities in disaster specific workshops
  • Provide members with updates in the field of disaster mental health

What sort of expertise do DRN members have?

Members of the DRN have self-reported expertise in a diverse range of areas including:

  • Working with emergency services
  • Working with first responders
  • Delivering skills for psychological recovery
  • Community recovery
  • Schools and disasters
  • Clinical interventions
  • PTSD
  • Grief and loss
  • Critical Incident Stress

Join the Disaster Response Network (DRN) now

To join the DRN, simply complete the DRN survey about your experience and skills in different areas of disaster response and recovery.

Further questions?

Any questions about the DRN can be sent to drn@psychology.org.au.

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