Mark Meredith APM OAM is a Detective Sergeant and Investigations Manager with the Orana Mid-Western Police District, having served with the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) since January 1988.
For 37 years, he has been stationed in his hometown of Dubbo, where he is deeply committed to teamwork and supporting the community. Mark’s policing philosophy is simple: “If we look after each other, we can pull together in crisis situations to best serve and protect our community.” He also believes in the importance of work-life balance, saying, “I work to live not live to work,” stressing that family, friends, and the community should always remain priorities. As a police detective, Mark has used his skillset to connect with the broader community, sporting organisations, and diverse groups, encouraging open dialogue about mental health issues like stress and anxiety. “The ability to actively listen to people’s problems and display honest and open lines of communicating” has been central to his work.
Personally, Mark has been married for 37 years to his wife, Liz, and together they have three children and six grandchildren. In 2016, Mark’s youngest son died by suicide – a tragedy that affected him both personally and professionally. “So, the journey of despair, grief, and depression I know well, both professionally and personally,” Mark shares. Following this, he became involved with the LIVIN organisation, promoting suicide prevention and mental health awareness. In honour of his son Perry, who was a builder and rugby league player, Mark now hosts annual Tradies Breakfasts to spread the message, ‘It ain’t weak to speak.’
His dedication to both policing and his community has earned him significant recognition, including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on 26 January 2022, and the Australian Police Medal (APM) on 13 June 2022.
Mark’s passion for mental health advocacy and his own personal journey naturally led him to Fortem Australia, where he now takes on the role of ambassador. He feels a deep connection with Fortem’s mission to support first responders and their families. “For me to be involved in the Fortem Group solidifies my values and enthusiasm to assist first responders and their families wherever and however I can,” he explains. Mark believes that the work Fortem does is critical in bridging the gap that existed when he first started his career, where first responders lacked support for dealing with trauma and mental health challenges. He is determined to be part of an organisation that is leading the charge in providing this vital assistance.
Looking back on his 37 years in service, Mark notes the vast improvements in mental health support for first responders, and he’s committed to ensuring Fortem continues to lead this effort. “Over 37 years ago, first responders didn’t have the support and programs to deal with tragedy, trauma, grief, stress, and depression. Today, we must engage and raise our hand for help! The Fortem Group is there to take hold of your raised hand and lead you to a safe and healthy place!” In his role as Fortem ambassador, Mark aims to raise awareness and extend Fortem’s reach to ensure no first responder or family member faces their struggles alone.