Meet Danny Staton, Fortem’s Regional Director
Fortem Australia’s Outreach Trailer has successfully completed its maiden outreach tour in Western Australia, travelling more than 800 kilometres across two full days in support of National Volunteer Week.
Delivered in collaboration with St John Ambulance and Dogs for First Responders, the outreach initiative focused on strengthening engagement and creating meaningful face-to-face connection opportunities with emergency service volunteers and paid personnel across southwest WA. Throughout the tour, the team connected with first responders and support staff, sharing information about Fortem’s wellbeing services and reinforcing it’s ongoing commitment to supporting those who serve and protect their communities.
The tour included visits with teams from St John Ambulance WA Margaret River, WA Police Margaret River, St John WA Busselton, Department of Fire and Emergency Services Bunbury and St John Ambulance East Bunbury, with each location warmly welcoming the outreach team and embracing the opportunity for connection and conversation.
Launched in April 2026, Fortem’s purpose-built outreach trailer is a mobile wellbeing and disaster response hub designed to deliver accessible mental health and wellbeing support directly to first responders and their families, wherever and whenever it is needed most. The trailer provides a safe, welcoming and non-clinical space for connection, access to wellbeing resources, referral pathways and practical on-the-ground support, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities where access to services can often be limited.
The outreach was extremely well received across all locations visited, with attendees expressing appreciation for the initiative and highlighting the importance of in-person support in regional communities, where opportunities for social connection and wellbeing engagement can often be more limited.
Fortem Australia CEO Mick Willing said the Outreach Trailer plays an important role in ensuring first responders in regional and remote communities feel supported and connected.
‘First responders in regional areas often face additional challenges when it comes to accessing wellbeing support and opportunities for connection,’ Mr Willing said.
‘The mobile hub allows us to meet first responders where they are, have meaningful conversations face-to-face, and ensure they know support is available to them and their families, no matter how remote their location may be.’
‘The success of this South West tour highlights just how valuable these outreach opportunities are and the importance of continuing to strengthen support networks across regional Australia.’
The strong attendance, genuine conversations and positive energy throughout each visit highlighted the impact of Fortem’s growing outreach presence within regional WA, as well as the value of collaborative partnerships in supporting first responder wellbeing.
Fortem Australia extends thanks to all agencies and personnel who welcomed and supported the team throughout the tour. Special appreciation is also extended for the incredible hospitality shown across the region, including morning teas, a BBQ dinner, afternoon teas hosted at St John Ambulance depots and the memorable homemade scones shared during the visit to Department of Fire and Emergency Services Bunbury.
This successful outreach marks an exciting milestone for the Fortem Outreach Trailer program, with plans to continue expanding regional engagement and support opportunities for first responders and their families across Australia.
