The bushfire recovery effort has already begun. The devastating effects will be felt for many years to come.

The governments — state and federal — will need to work together to make sure they support and sustain health services in these rural and remote communities as they rebuild.

Extra government funding has seen $76 million pledged for assistance with mental health in the gruelling period of recovery for these fire-affected communities. There has been a further $5 million pledged for medical research into the health effects from the fires, to try to understand what can be done to prevent adverse health consequences in any future events.

But one of the biggest challenges will be ensuring that these communities have the healthcare professionals they need to support them through recovery.