ARTISTS BAND TOGETHER FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS
First responders have taken to the course at the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open Golf Tournament in Melbourne with Fujitsu Australia hosting Fortem Australia as its official charity partner for the event.
The partnership with Fujitsu Australia helps raise awareness of Fortem’s work while also raising funds to support its vital services. It is also providing opportunities for first responders to attend the event, engage with other first responders and meet some of the professional golfers taking part.
Yesterday, 40 first responders were invited to attend the tournament to witness some of the world’s top golfers in action from the VIP marquee overlooking the 18th hole. Four lucky first responders also walked the course with a professional golfer and their caddy, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any golfing fan.
Fujitsu Australia has also invited 25 first responder families to join the 2024 Australia Open Fairway Funday this Sunday, where they can watch the competition and take part in a range of kid-friendly activities.
On Monday, the 2024 Australian Open Charity Golf Day will see some of the country’s top business leaders putting with first responders and Fortem CEO Mick Willing APM, with all funds raised donated to Fortem.
Mr Willing spent time yesterday speaking to golfers and spectators about how Fortem supports first responders through social activities, clinical services, career management programs and wellbeing resources aimed at building resilience and social connection through early intervention.
“This partnership demonstrates Fujitsu Australia’s commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of first responders, for which we are incredibly grateful,” Mr Willing said.
“Fortem relies on funding grants and donations to undertake our important work, and funding partnerships like this one help us extend our reach and support to more first responders and their families.”
A first responder who attended yesterday’s event said activities like the golf day are just as important as clinical therapies for people to stay on top of their wellbeing.
“Most first responders’ organisations provide lots of clinical support options for wellbeing, but opportunities through Fortem like this provide alternative support options which are also vitally important,” the first responder said.
“We know that relationships, mateship, the outdoors, recreation and hobbies are just as important as clinical therapies. Activities like these put on by Fortem help improve the toolkit first responders have to look after themselves.”
Peter Grassi, Vice President of Service Delivery Oceania at Fujitsu, said: “At Fujitsu, we honour those who dedicate their lives to the safety and wellbeing of others. We also play our part, delivering transformational innovation to support public safety agencies across Australia and New Zealand.
“This community event with Fortem is another way for Fujitsu to recognise and thank first responders for what they do each day.”
