Meet Fortem Volunteer, Heidi
Fortem Australia welcomes continued funding, announced as part of the Albanese Government’s $12 million package to prepare for the high-risk weather season
Fortem Australia has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Australian Government will extend funding for Fortem’s mental health support services for emergency services workers to December 2027.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Emergency Management, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, announced the extension on 9 November 2026. It is part of an additional $12 million investment to strengthen bushfire risk management and support the mental health and wellbeing of emergency first responders, as the bushfire season and a supercharged El Niño event begin to affect parts of Australia.
In making the announcement, the Government recognised the vital role of Australia’s emergency services workforce, saying the extension will ensure first responders and emergency service workers across Australia can access dedicated mental health and wellbeing support.
Assistant Minister for Emergency Management, the Hon Josh Wilson MP, has confirmed $3 million for Fortem to continue delivering its Mental Health Support for Emergency Services Workers program for a further 12 months, from 1 January to 31 December 2027. The free, independent and confidential services are available to current and former, paid and volunteer emergency services workers and their families.
‘This funding recognises the pressure first responders carry. Supporting them will strengthen Australia’s emergency response by ensuring the necessary care and support is provided to those at the frontline of our disaster response,’ Assistant Minister Wilson said.
Fortem CEO Michael Willing APM thanked the Prime Minister, Minister McBain and Assistant Minister Wilson for their continued backing of first responder mental health and wellbeing.
‘Having this confirmed ahead of the high-risk weather season really matters. When fires, floods and storms hit, our emergency services workers are there for the community, but that work is often dangerous, confronting and traumatic, and it can affect their mental health and the wellbeing of their families,’ Mr Willing said.
‘This commitment gives first responders and their families certainty that support will be there right through 2027. People already working with our clinicians can keep going without a gap in care, and anyone who hasn’t reached out yet knows the door is open.’
‘Fortem’s person-centred services combine early intervention, aimed at boosting wellbeing and building resilience, with trauma-informed psychological treatment. Looking after the people who look after us strengthens our emergency services agencies and Australia’s disaster response capability.’
Demand for support continues to grow
The extension comes as Fortem reports strong and sustained demand in 2026. By 30 September, Fortem had reached 20,509 emergency service workers and family members through social connection and wellbeing initiatives, delivered 611 virtual and in-person activities and provided 1,902 clinical interventions, exceeding several full-year targets three months early.
What the funding supports
Through the program, Fortem will continue to offer a stepped model of support for first responders who have been involved in disaster response and recovery, and their families, including:
- Clinical support – free, confidential psychological care from trauma-informed clinicians, outside the workers’ compensation system.
- Social connection – activities that bring first responders and their families together in local communities and online.
- Mental health literacy – practical resources and webinars that help people recognise early signs and feel confident seeking help.
- Outreach – support taken to where first responders are, including rural and regional communities.
Support is available to serving and former emergency services workers, including those who have left service in the past 10 years, and their families.