Independent, non-profit mental health support provider, Fortem Australia, has been awarded nearly $3 million by the Albanese Government to continue their work supporting the health and wellbeing of first responders and their families.
As part of the Mental Health Support for Emergency Service Workers Grant Program, $3 million in funding for the 2026 calendar year was available to organisations through the Business Grants Hub on behalf of the National Emergency Management Agency.
Following a competitive process, Fortem Australia was selected to deliver mental health services to emergency services workers involved in disaster response. The free, independent and confidential services are available to current and former workers, both paid and voluntary, as well as their loved ones.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said the funding would allow Fortem Australia to continue to deliver crucial services to improve the wellbeing of first responders, and those closest to them, across Australia.
"The pressures and challenges of responding to disasters can be extreme, confronting and traumatic, so it's vital that our government can do its part helping those who sacrifice so much to protect others," Minister McBain said.
"Fortem Australia has significant experience delivering trauma-informed, culturally appropriate evidence-based mental health and wellbeing support tailored to the realities of emergency services work.
"I want to encourage those emergency services workers and their loved ones who are struggling to seek support. Help is available, if you need it.
"I'd like to thank all organisations who applied for the grant and reiterate that their applications were extremely competitive - their work will build on important progress addressing important social and emotional wellbeing issues within the emergency services workers community."
Fortem CEO Michael Willing APM welcomed the ongoing support for first responder mental health and wellbeing.
"Our emergency services workers are always there to support the community, but that work is often dangerous, confronting and traumatic," he said.
"That can impact their mental health and wellbeing, as well as that of their families.
"Fortem's person-centred services combine early intervention programs, aimed at boosting wellbeing and strengthening personal resilience, together with trauma-informed psychological treatment.
"This helps strengthen our emergency services agencies and Australia's disaster response capabilities."
