“The Thing That Will Save You Is the Community”: Qualitative Perspectives on Mental Health and Social Connectedness Following a Major Australian Bushfire

The risk of recurring and cascading disasters is increasing rapidly, with significant implications for community mental health. This study aimed to explore qualitative reports of mental health experiences, changes in social identity, and community connectedness within an area affected by repeated and compounding hazards. The Wooroloo Bushfire in Western Australia occurred during a COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, with ongoing repercussions for the community. Participants comprised 39 adult community members, who participated in individual interviews or focus group discussions conducted 9–26 months after the bushfire. Reflexive thematic analysis identified five key themes outlining the experience of repeated disasters, individual and collective experiences of traumatic stress, ongoing hardships, heightened impacts for young people, and dynamics in community connectedness over time. Despite tremendous resilience, significant loss and delayed rebuilding heightened psychological concerns in the years following exposure. Strengthened community connectedness was actively fostered and often reported, although tensions and frustrations were noted. Community-level supports were perceived as effective, but sustainable and accessible mental health services are needed in disaster-risk settings across Australia.