Arts, health, community resilience and healing: the importance of the story

This paper discusses a response in rural communities and rural health communities to challenges and natural disasters little noted in research that contributes greatly to their ongoing health and wellbeing. It suggests the collection of stories, accounts, impressions and creative responses to difficulties and disaster within communities that rise to show and promote resilience further strengthens not only the health and wellbeing of the geographic or health related community affected, but impacts significantly on the fabric of the Australian ethos. The paper draws on one case study in rural Tasmania and includes examples of the outcomes and resilience of community creative response to bushfire, health issues and drought policy in rural Australia.