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Fortem Australia has officially launched its new purpose‑built Outreach Trailer, a mobile wellbeing and disaster response hub designed to deliver accessible mental health and wellbeing support to emergency service workers and their families – wherever and whenever they are needed most.
The launch was officiated yesterday by the Hon Josh Wilson MP, Assistant Minister for Emergency Management, marking a significant step forward in bringing practical, on the ground support to first responders, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities. ‘Our response to disasters in Australia depends on the incredible efforts of skilful, courageous, and caring first responders so we must make sure that we look after the broad wellbeing of people who give so much of themselves in very difficult circumstances,’ he said.
‘This trailer will make an important contribution to supporting rural emergency responders wherever it is needed. It takes support to where they are, removing the barriers of distance, and service accessibility.’
The Outreach Trailer has been developed in response to the reality that emergency service work is inherently mobile, often undertaken in high‑pressure environments and away from fixed support services.
‘By taking support directly to emergency services, Fortem is helping reduce barriers such as distance, stigma and accessibility that can prevent people from seeking help,’ said Mick Willing APM, Fortem Australia CEO.
The trailer is a safe, welcoming and non‑clinical space where paid and volunteer first responders, along with their families, can access wellbeing resources, connect with peers and learn about available support pathways. It complements existing agency and government services by providing an independent and highly accessible option focused on prevention, early intervention and connection.
The Outreach Trailer delivers practical wellbeing support, including on‑the‑ground engagement with Fortem staff and peers, connections to Fortem’s broader services and referral pathways to clinical care, and access to a mobile wellbeing resource library. It also supports rest, recovery and social connection, recognising the important role families and communities play in first responder wellbeing.
Member for Swan, Zaneta Mascarenhas also attended the official opening, recognising how important early intervention and breaking down mental health stigma is for first responders, ‘In moments of crisis, we rely on our first responders. The impact of that work doesn’t end when the emergency does. We need to ensure we are looking after the people who look after us.’
In addition, the trailer is equipped to provide practical support during operations, training activities and community events, including mobile phone charging, refreshments, BBQ and food preparation facilities, shaded seating and accessible spaces for rest.
‘This mobile hub allows us to take care, connection and support directly to emergency service workers and their families, in environments that feel safe, familiar and welcoming,’ said Mr Willing. ‘It also supports rest, recovery and social connection, recognising the critical role families and communities play in sustaining first responder wellbeing, before, during and after high-pressure events.’
