Mark Dobson

Mark Dobson

Active firefighter and Founder of Ordinary Courage

An active firefighter with more than 20 years of experience, Mark Dobson is the founder of Ordinary Courage, a workplace mental health consultancy.

Mark is a Churchill Fellow, a volunteer team manager for Disaster Relief Australia and a recipient of the Australian Fire Service Medal (2020) for his pioneering work supporting first responders’ mental health. Youi is proud to partner with Mark in the creation of this bushfire preparedness content.

How to prepare for a bushfire
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How to Prepare for a Bushfire: 3 Jobs to Do This Weekend

Bushfire season is fast approaching, which means now is the time to prepare your property, no matter where you live.
November 06, 2024
Australian bushfire season
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What Do We Know About the Coming Australian Bushfire Season?

Fire experts and meteorologists are warning that Australia could be in for a challenging bushfire season, with above average temperatures contributing to an increased risk of fire in parts of the country.
October 31, 2024
How community resilience can help bushfire recovery in Australian towns like Pomonal
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Community Resilience: How Connection Helped a Town Survive Catastrophe

How community resilience can help bushfire recovery in Australian towns like Pomonal. Learn how to build strength and preparedness for future emergencies.
September 27, 2024
Australian volunteer firefighters
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Meet the Modern Australian Volunteer Firefighter

Numbers of Australian volunteer firefighters are declining, right when the country’s bushfire risk is rising.
September 27, 2024
Bushfire preparation tips to protect your home
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The Power of Bushfire Preparation: Stories from Real Life

If there’s one thing active firefighter Mark Dobson knows after years of fighting some of Australia’s worst bushfires, it’s the value of preparedness before and during bushfire season.
September 27, 2024
Veteran firefighters Jim Smith and Mark Dobson
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Introducing Jim Smith & Mark Dobson: Meet Our Bushfire Experts

Ordinary Courage's Jim Smith and Mark Dobson have teamed up with Youi to better physically and mentally prepare Australians for bushfire season.
September 27, 2024
How climate change is affecting bushfire season
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How Climate Change is Affecting our Bushfire Seasons

Climate change is causing hotter, drier conditions in Australia, and increasing the risk of bushfire frequency, intensity and unpredictability.
September 25, 2024
How to prepare for a bushfire mentally

How to Prepare Your Mind for a Bushfire

Being bushfire ready means knowing how to prepare for a bushfire psychologically. Here’s what to expect, plus tips on how to prepare children and face stress.
September 20, 2024
How to tell if you live in a bushfire prone area
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How to Know if You Live in a Bushfire-Prone Area

Waking up to the sound of kookaburras, breathing in fresh, clean air and being surrounded by nature – it’s easy to see why around seven million Australians choose to make their homes in rural or semi-rural areas.
September 20, 2024
Bushfire preparation
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Bushfire Preparation Jobs to Do This Weekend, This Month and This Year

Get ready for fire season with essential bushfire preparation tips. Learn what tasks to do this weekend, this month and this year to help you stay safe.
September 06, 2024
Bushfire safety
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Bushfire Decision Time: Know When to Go

Australia faces intense bushfires, making leaving early your best bushfire safety plan. Here’s how to prepare your home and occupants to leave early.
September 06, 2024
Bushfire survival plan
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How to Make a Bushfire Survival Plan

Create a comprehensive bushfire survival plan with our helpful guide. Learn essential steps, what to include and how to stay safe during Australia's fire season.
September 06, 2024