Charlie's Chat 2nd September

Our guest speaker tonight was Peter Trask

Registered as psychologist since 2007. Prior to that worked in the IT industry for 25 years in Melbourne and for several years at the Bendigo Bank.

Presentation on:  The psychological impact natural disasters have on individuals and communities, how team work can be optimised during such times plus how the well-being of all affected people, including support workers and volunteers, can be maximised.

Background:  Peter has been working part-time in the town of Charlton since mid-2011 as part of the flood recovery support effort. The town of Charlton was almost completely inundated with flood waters in January 2011, and the recovery from that event still continues for many people.

In addition to this, Peter also works one day a week in three P-12 schools in central Victoria, is completing further study and operates a private practice in Bendigo on remaining days. Peter's particular area of interest is in performance and sport psychology and wellness, and so is a keen follower of various sports.

Further comments: Peter is also the current chairperson of the Bendigo Branch of the Australian Psychological Society. This branch organise professional development workshops for their members in the Bendigo region as well as some free community events such as the up-coming evening presentation on adult relationships at La Trobe University on 19/9/13. We are also hoping to present on the topic of 'white collar crime' in November.