From the bushfires that have and continue to devastate NSW, Victoria and South Australia, to those still threatening homes and lives here in Tasmania.

More than a month on from the fatal volcano eruption on New Zealand's Whakaari White Island, dozens remain in hospital with life-threatening injuries, while funerals for the Australians killed in the tragedy continue across the country. For the people impacted first-hand, the pain and heartache might never go away.

For those not directly impacted, it can still be hard to comprehend. The emotional and mental toll is all too real.

News that the federal government will offer extra mental health support, through a $76 million package, is welcome news. Not just for the fire victims and communities hit hard, but for the frontline emergency service personnel who have given so much.

Because while the physical toll of these disasters is clearly visible, the hidden toll will be the psychological impact - and this can be much harder to measure.

But out of great tragedy often comes some remarkable stories. Be it heroic feats or simple gestures - acts of human compassion that remind us of the good in people. And there have been some incredible Tasmanian examples of this.

On Sunday about 30 volunteer firefighters returned home after a week assisting efforts in NSW. For most on board that plane, the opportunity to help was just the right thing to do. Similarly, Launceston General Hospital nurse Lesley Pyecroft didn't hesitate to offer her skills to assist the recovery at Whakatane hospital. Since New Year's Day she has been "proudly" representing the LGH emergency department and doing her bit to help.

Tasmanians should find some comfort in these stories, and pride in knowing that among the suffering, distress and destruction, there will always be someone willing to help.