ARTICLES

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 and wellbeing activities and support services.

Kayaking Experience on the Towamba River | Bega Valley Region Activity Wrap Up

Another beautiful sunny morning – perfect for a family kayaking tour. A chance for a Bega Valley region first responder family to connect away from daily distractions and to do

Kayaking Adventure on the Towamba River | Bega Valley Region Activity Wrap Up

Kayaking on a peaceful river with the sun shining down and the sound of laughter or conversation drifting around you. Recently Fortem held a wellbeing activity for first responder families

Surfing and Mindfulness for first responder families | Illawarra Region Activity Wrap Up

Recently Fortem held a ‘Learn to Surf and Mindfulness’ wellbeing activity for first responder families from the Illawarra region, with Rusty of Gerringong Surf School. Our participants got to try

An adventure at the theme park for first responder families | West Gippsland Region Activity Wrap Up

Recently Fortem held an exciting wellbeing activity for West Gippsland first responder families at Gumbuya World in Victoria. We had a great turn out on a beautiful sunny day. The

Family Story: ‘Here’s what I do to help with the social isolation that comes with shift work’

My partner’s shifts are all over the place, and it’s very difficult to manage from a social perspective. It can feel quite isolating. You find that the close network that

Surf lesson and pizza for first responder families | Gold Coast Region Activity Wrap Up

On a sunny day in January, local first responder families bravely attended their first surfing lesson at Currumbin Alley on the Gold Coast. It was a great wellbeing activity that

"Just finished the Spanish Cooking Class. Thank you so much for the opportunity. It was fantastic!" Louise

“This isn't an activity that I would have usually chosen for myself but by attending with my family and having a go it not only got me out of the house, got me active, but it allowed me to try something very much out of comfort zone and help build confidence and skills."

"Thank you so much for the kayak activity yesterday.... the two staff members were so welcoming, warm and engaging. They participated and added to the thoroughly enjoyable activity. Can we have this kayak event again!"