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20 October 2025

Introducing Kylie Brown, Fortem community engagement coordinator

Joining Fortem in January this year as a community engagement coordinator, Kylie has been integral to Fortem’s growing wellbeing activity calendar in Sydney and the surrounds.

With lived experience of the challenges first responders can face, Kylie engages with first responders and their families, agencies, corporate partners and the greater community in the education, promotion and implementation of mental health and wellbeing initiatives.

Kylie began her career in advertising and graphic arts but returned to university to study a Social Science Degree, majoring in therapeutic counselling before working in the not-for-profit sector with young carers.

‘As the coordination of respite camps, I worked with volunteers to create respite for young people who were living in caring roles for family members who had illness, disability, drug and alcohol or mental health issues,’ she says.

After returning from a short sabbatical for maternity leave with her son, Kylie undertook a first aid course and started a new role providing first aid at community events – one she enjoyed so much she decided to make it a permanent career change. She applied to work with NSW Ambulance, leading to a 15-year career as a paramedic in western Sydney, However, this was impacted by a workplace incident in which she was assaulted by a patient, leading to PTSD which ended her on-road career.

‘Post a long recovery period, I took all my skills, education and experience into the role of mental health and wellbeing support for paramedics,’ she explains.

‘This led me into Fortem’s career management program and before I knew it, I was job ready and applying for my current position as a community engagement coordinator, where my focus has expanded to first responders and their families.’

Many people who have attended Kylie’s events will be familiar with her boundless energy and strong creativity.

‘I am an artist and creative by nature and can often be found in front of a canvas painting or exploring new craft skills like clay, crochet or sewing,’ she says.

‘I also love to write. I wrote and published my own book on the topic of applied neuroscience as a way to apply the knowledge (which) advanced my PTSD healing process through neuroplasticity.’

We are so glad you’re sharing your own experiences to help and support others, Kylie. Fortem is lucky to have you on the team.