Meet Matt George, Wellbeing and Vocational Support Specialist

This month we’re introducing one of the newest members of the Fortem team, Matt George, who joined us in this month as a Wellbeing and Vocational Support Specialist in Western Australia.

Although he’s only been with Fortem for a few weeks, Matt has already enjoyed supporting participants through the WA Wellbeing Hub and social connection activities. His role spans both Fortem’s clinical and career management teams, where he works alongside participants to support their wellbeing and vocational goals. As he settles into the role, he’s also looking forward to getting out into regional and remote communities as part of Fortem’s outreach program.

Matt’s career has always centred around supporting others. After completing a Bachelor of Psychology, he began working with students who had become disengaged from school or were seeking alternative education and career pathways that better suited their strengths and interests.

It was during this time that he discovered just how closely career, identity and wellbeing are connected.

‘This experience highlighted for me the strong connection between career, identity and wellbeing, and led me to pursue further postgraduate study as a Rehabilitation Counsellor, which I completed in 2023,’ he says.

Matt then moved into vocational rehabilitation, supporting people recovering from physical and psychological injuries. Whether helping someone return to their previous role or navigate a completely new direction, he found purpose in helping people rebuild confidence and create meaningful futures.

When he discovered Fortem, it immediately felt like the right fit.

‘When I came across a role within Fortem’s Career Management space, I found myself trawling through the website and my interest was sparked. I have since been incredibly fortunate to work with and learn from a team whose work aligns so closely with my interests in wellbeing, recovery and meaningful vocational support.’

Outside of work, Matt values the simple things that help him stay grounded and connected. Spending quality time with others, whether through shared activities or meaningful conversations, is an important part of maintaining his wellbeing. He also enjoys keeping active at the gym and escaping the city whenever he can.

‘I am fortunate to be able to escape Perth and get back to the family farm, which gives me another chance to switch off, refresh and reset,’ he says.

‘I find connection, movement and time away from the city all mindful in their own ways.’

One piece of advice has stayed with Matt throughout both his personal and professional life.

‘The best advice I have received is to remain curious and to always keep learning. Every interaction and experience shapes us in some way, and that is completely unique to each individual. Sometimes even a simple conversation can leave you with significant learnings or a shift in perspective!’

It’s a philosophy that reflects both Matt’s approach to life and the way he supports others – with openness, empathy and a belief that every person’s journey is unique.

Thanks for sharing, Matt – it’s wonderful to have you on the Fortem team.