David Roland Author

22/05/2026

I’m looking forward to presenting this upcoming workshop with the Queensland Writers Centre:

Writing Trauma in Memoir and Story

Many writers are drawn to exploring trauma, grief, disruption and recovery in their work — but it can be difficult to know how to approach these experiences safely and effectively on the page.

In this workshop we’ll explore:
• how trauma affects memory and storytelling
• writing emotionally difficult scenes
• portraying healing and post-traumatic growth
• ethical considerations in memoir and autobiographical writing
• ways to care for yourself while writing vulnerable material

The workshop is suitable for writers of memoir, fiction and narrative non-fiction, and no prior expertise is required.

📍 Queensland Writers Centre, Brisbane
📅 Sunday 7 June
🎟 Bookings and details here:
https://queenslandwriters.org.au/events/writing-trauma-in-memoir-and-story-david-roland

Please feel free to share with anyone who may be interested.

28/04/2026

My workplace this morning facilitating nature based compassion skills for those recovering from climate related trauma. Part of the HEART clinical trial conducted through Southern Cross University. https://www.scu.edu.au/news/2025/climate-related-ptsd-trial-seeks-participants-/

20/04/2026

I am now a qualified swimming teacher. When I was a young boy I was given the gift of swimming and now I can pass on that gift. My first day teaching children to swim.

20/03/2026

A river crossing to complete a two hour ride along sun-kissed country roads. A perfect metaphor for reentering daily life. 😊🚲

20/03/2026

I am the lead facilitator for the nature-based compassion groups in this clinical trial to help people recover from trauma related to natural disasters. I can tell you that the participants we've worked with so far are really enjoying these approaches. It's free to participate. It is open to residents in the Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Murwillumbah council areas.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AwKFsWUPJ/

13/02/2026

I’ve finished hiking the Bundian Way, the ancient songline from  the highest peak in the land, Mount Kosciuszko, to Fisheries Beach near Eden on the coast. After 33 days it felt momentous to arrive at the oceans edge and to camp in a place where the Old People gathered in great numbers for 1000’s of years. Quite a magical place and unspoilt. I am very relieved to have finished and now spending a few days resting and gaining more perspectives on the walk from others based here. I have kept a detailed journal along the way, taken photos and video and I look forward to sharing my experiences and reflections once I have integrated them all.

12/12/2025

Early trauma can toughen a child, but love and support can turn that toughness into resilience. Without it, the climb is steeper. How can we, as a society, help every child survive and thrive?

31 seconds · Clipped by Grief and Rebirth Podcast · Original video "How I Turned Devastation Into Power: Stories of Post-Traumatic Growth" by Grief and Rebi...

07/11/2025

Call out for participants to join the Healing Climate Related Trauma trial in the Northern Rivers, NSW. Now open.
https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2025/11/06/scu-in-need-of-participants-for-world-first-trial-to-treat-ptsd-caused-by-natural-disasters/

Email: [email protected]

Southern Cross University is about to embark on a world-first trial to treat PTSD caused by natural

19/10/2025

The closing walk around the campfire at the Outdoor Health Forum, October 2025, held on Bundjalung country at Lennox Head, Australia. The weekend exceeded my expectations. Networking with committed nature workers from all corners of the continent who are employing innovative ways of improving well-being for many, and presenting on the origins, science and practice of forest bathing with an early morning forest bathing walk behind the beach, and making new like-minded friends. For upcoming events and membership, check out https://www.outdoorhealthforum.com.au/ for upcoming events and membership.

08/10/2025

I'm extremely pleased to let you know that the HEART Healing Climate Related Trauma trial is now open for business! If you are someone in the Northern Rivers region of NSW that experiences trauma from the natural disasters of recent years you could be eligible to participate in an arts-based compassion group program or a nature-based compassion program for no cost. The results of this clinical trial which will be closely evaluated could prove to be a model of other communities to implement. I will be leading the nature-based program. Expression of interest can be found here: https://heart.scu.edu.au/