STORIES FROM OUR FIRST RESPONDER COMMUNITY
Fortem Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that supports the mental fitness and wellbeing of first responder families. Every day, more than 300,000 first responders keep our communities safe. They are backed up by their families: partners, children and parents. All of them hold vital and challenging roles. We help them to be well, and stay well, through mental fitness, support services and wellbeing activities. These are their stories.
Fun at the Wake and Aqua Park for first responder families! | Gold Coast Region Activity Wrap Up
A family day at the Wake and Aqua Park in December 2020, was a great chance for Gold Coast first responder families to connect, be active and keep learning. A
A spicy cooking experience for first responder families! | Shoalhaven Region Activity Wrap Up
On a recent Sunday in January, Fortem Australia hosted a Moroccan Spice cooking class with Chef Toni from Flavours of the Valley in Kangaroo Valley. It was a wonderful way
First responder families make a big splash! | Canberra Region Activity Wrap Up
What an awesome day at a recent wellbeing activity for Canberra first responder families, enjoying the local water park together. What an awesome day at a recent wellbeing activity for
Build your mental fitness with Peak Fortem
We are excited to announce the launch of our new mental fitness program, Peak Fortem. Peak Fortem is a digital toolkit that provides practical strategies for building mental fitness. “We all need to work on our mental fitness, just
Pasta Cooking Class | Bega Valley Activity Wrap Up
First responders took a trip to Italy (via Bermagui) on Friday – learning to cook Potato Gnocchi, Fettuccine Carbonara and Chocolate Fondants from scratch! We were all very amused by
Pasta Making Class | Bega Valley Activity Wrap Up
First responders took a trip to Italy (via Bermagui) on Friday, gathering for a wellbeing activity to learn how to cook Ricotta Gnocchi, Fettuccine Carbonara and Chocolate fondants from scratch.
We proudly support families, in all their diversity, to be well
Having the support of your family is an important part of your health and wellbeing. Good family relationships make us feel safe, loved and supported, and help us feel that
First Responder Story: ‘I try to help first responders before their bucket’s full’
I’m a retired police officer, and I run art classes for first responders and military personnel. The story of how I came to do this probably isn’t what you think.
Family Story: ‘It’s okay to talk about the challenges of being a first responder’s partner’
I’m the partner of a first responder, and I talk openly about the fact that it can be hard. I like to share the good bits too, but it’s the
Walk, Snap, Explore… and Chat | West Gippsland Activity Wrap Up
Our first activity for West Gippsland today was a cross between a bushwalk and scavenger hunt. Due to our small number, each family member decided to be their own team
An old craft that’s made a comeback
First responder families came out to learn how to make a macrame hanging basket. Macramé is the art of tying knots to create beautifully patterned textiles. Many believe that the word macramé comes from the
The mindful art of basket weaving relaxes first responder families
First responder families came together to learn the art of basket weaving, which is a relaxing, mindful hobby that opened up new connections. Basket weaving is a very old craft
