Meet Simone Lord, Fortem Ambassador

Simone Lord has been a passionate advocate for first responder wellbeing since joining Fortem as a Community Ambassador in May 2021. Drawing on her lived experience as the wife of a police officer and a mum of three, Simone is deeply committed to helping frontline families feel seen, supported, and connected to the services available to them.

As a Fortem Ambassador, Simone plays an important role in raising awareness about Fortem’s work across Australia. Sharing her story in forums and conversations through social media and her personal and professional networks, Simone helps to shine a light on the unique challenges faced by first responder families.

‘Fortem has been a safe and supportive space for me, and I’m passionate about helping other frontline families feel seen, heard, and supported too’ she said.

Simone’s professional background spans both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors, where she has held executive leadership roles and developed strong expertise in operational strategy. Alongside this, she launched her own business in the health and wellbeing space, driven by a personal mission to keep her own family well while navigating the demands of shift-working life.

‘As a police wife, I know how unpredictable rosters can impact family routines, sleep, and self-care,’ she says.

‘That’s why I now mentor others, helping them implement realistic, sustainable strategies at home to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, not just for themselves, but for their families too.’

When it comes to her own wellbeing, movement is a key priority for Simone. Her favourite way to recharge is a scenic sunrise walk, ideally surrounded by mountain landscapes or ocean views, a quiet moment of calm and clarity before the day begins.

One piece of advice that has stayed with Simone throughout her life is that ‘life is a journey, not a destination.”’ Shared by a business mentor, this perspective reminds her that every phase whether joyful or challenging is just a moment in time.

‘There’s always something to learn, and through those experiences, we gain wisdom that we can carry forward and share with others,’ she explains.

The person who has had the greatest impact on Simone’s life is her husband, Gavin. The couple have been together since they were teenagers and have supported each other through life’s most difficult moments, including Gavin’s battle with a malignant tumour at just 28 years old, before they had started their family.

Gavin takes immense pride in his role with the NSW Police Force, seeing it not simply as enforcing the law but as serving the community and helping people become the best version of themselves.

For Simone, his strength, kindness, and humanity are a daily reminder of the values that inspire her work supporting first responder families. ‘I’m endlessly proud of the man he is, both personally and professionally. He reminds me every day what it truly means to be kind, strong, and deeply human.’

We think you’re pretty amazing too, Simone. Thank you for being part of the Fortem team and for so generously sharing your experiences and inspiration with our community.