Media
Enquiries
For enquiries about spokespeople, press releases, events, or other media opportunities, please contact our media team at: media@fortemaustralia.org.au
We have experts available for comment on:
- Depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health related conditions – including suicide and self-harm – in the first responder / emergency services community
- Impacts of natural disasters and traumatic events on the mental health of first responders and their families – including impact of deployment to disaster response
- Fortem Australia’s role in raising awareness and destigmatising mental health conditions in the first responder community
- The importance of preventative, proactive mental health initiatives and approaches, including Fortem Australia’s services
- The vital, multifaceted role that first responders play in the community
- Thank a First Responder Day – an annual day for recognising first responders launched by Fortem Australia in 2020
- Mental health policy
Fortem in the News
THE AGE, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, BRISBANE TIMES
John Bale: “We don’t deny that first responders are brave, and we very much acknowledge that they do amazing and important work – but they are certainly not unbreakable.”
THE AGE, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, BRISBANE TIMES
John Bale: “We cannot continue to turn away from the calls for help that the research and the lived experiences of first responders continue to highlight.”
UNIVERSITY OF NSW
Fortem Co-Founder John Bale has been named a finalist in the 2021 Australian Mental Health Prize.
UNIVERSITY OF NSW
As a co-founder of Soldier On and Fortem, UNSW Canberra alumnus John Bale has learnt a thing or two about mental health. One of the most valuable lessons has been the importance of building ‘mental fitness’ and preventative mental health care.
BEGA DISTRICT NEWS
“The trauma that can come with being involved in these real life events is deep and ongoing,” says Jae Lee, psychologist and general manager of Fortem Service Delivery.
NINE NEWS
Fortem Australia has noticed an increase in the need for mental health support for first responders over the past 18 months.
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF COMPANY DIRECTORS
John Bale says that Fortem Australia’s unique focus is on bringing families along for the ride.
SBS
This is an opportunity to stop, pause and thank these first responders and their families for what they do, or what they’re willing to do, for us on a daily basis.
ASPI THE STRATEGIST
Fortem Australia is honoured to welcome Graham Ashton as our Board Chair. Graham is the former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police and Deputy Commissioner of Australian Federal Police.
Graham was instrumental in leading mental health reform with Victoria Police and brings to Fortem this understanding of how vital connection and support are for wellbeing and mental fitness,’ says Fortem co-founder and managing director, John Bale.
THE NEW DAILY
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have praised Australia’s firefighters, paramedics and police, telling them “you should be immensely proud of everything you do”.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s words of support were delivered in a video message marking Australia’s inaugural Thank A First Responder Day.
THIS IS CANBERRA
They are the frontline of our community, aiding the injured and keeping us safe. Our law enforcement and emergency service workers are there when we need them, but a frontline job can take its toll, with one-in-two first-responders experiencing a traumatic event in the course of their work.
TRIPLE M
Co-Founder and Managing Director of Fortem Australia John Bale joined the show this morning. It’s ‘Thank a First Responder Day’ today June 2nd and John has all the details on how you can be involved and more.
2GB
2EC EAST COAST RADIO
9 HONEY
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge delighted Australian first responders in a stunning message of solidarity thanking them for their efforts during the recent bushfire and COVID-19 crises.
MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS
Australia’s 300,000-plus police, security and emergency services personnel will be supported through a range of new mental health initiatives.