Stories of hope, hardship and most importantly, resilience, will soon have the chance to be featured in a new book called 'My Drought Story' that will be celebrating the courage and strength of drought-affected communities in the aftermath of one of the worst droughts in history.  

The book is set to be launched in September by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) as a key project for their Drought Resilience Leaders Development Program. 

The My Drought Story project will use submissions from people who’ve lived through drought to highlight resilience in the face of adversity, and share practical methods for coping with disasters in regional areas. 

RAMHP Coordinator and project lead, Kate Arndell says "the 2017-19 drought was so historical but because it was followed by bushfires, COVID-19, mouse plagues and floods, many of us didn’t get the opportunity to properly reflect on the effect drought had on us before we were on to the next adverse event.” 

"If we don't address a crisis when it pops up, then our stress levels build up and up and the result of that can be an onset of a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety."  

“The book will be filled with images and stories that allow us to reflect, fill us with hope and help us build our resilience and courage for the next time we are faced with difficult times,” says Ms Arndell. 

Those living in rural and regional NSW who lived through the 2017-19 drought are encouraged to share their stories as a therapeutic tool and a resource for others.

Scenes like this played out across the western plains. People of all ages are encouraged to share their experiences.

People are also being asked to share comparison photos to illustrate how the landscape changed once rain came. 

“Having a visual reference to how truly different our landscape and lives were during drought, versus how they rebounded once relief came is a truly powerful message about resilience in times of overwhelming adversity,” says Ms Arndell. 

RAMHP aim to build the capacity among community members and workplaces to identify and link people to services and resources that can help with mental health struggles, and Kate says that this project will be an important tool for rural and regional communities to help with that mission. 

"Mental illness is one of the most treatable and curable illnesses... by sharing stories of resilience we can begin to help people become more self-aware which is key to preventing these illnesses from developing," says Ms Arndell.  

A selection of submissions will be developed into a hard copy book available in libraries and Council buildings as a tangible reminder of the 2017-2019 drought, and a pathway to recovery in future droughts.  

“The book will be filled with images and stories that allow us to reflect, fill us with hope and help us build our resilience and courage for the next time we are faced with difficult times,” says Ms Arndell. 

"Stories might just be a one-liner or a paragraph that shares some of the small ways people kept themselves busy or got themselves through the difficult period." 

Those wishing to share their experience for the My Drought Story project, can do so via the project website.  

Submissions will close September 18th 2022, with the book release to follow shortly after.