Boots on the Frontline

22/05/2026

To my fellow first responders, past and present…

How are you doing?

This is just a quick message to remind you that you are a normal person doing an extraordinary job — showing up to people’s worst days, shift after shift.

You carry what most people never see.
You hear things.
You witness things.
You absorb more than you realise.

So let me ask you again…

How are you really doing?

Not the standard “I’m good.”
Not the “I’ll be alright.”
Not the answer people expect.

How are you… really?

Your job title doesn’t make you immune.
Your years of service don’t make you untouchable.
Strength isn’t staying silent.

It’s okay not to be okay.
But it’s not okay to carry it alone.

Check in with yourself.
Check in with your mates.
Speak up.

Your mental health matters too ❤️

18/04/2026

02/02/2026

🚨 Emoji Check-In 🚨

First responders & veterans — let’s play an emoji game 👇

Tell us where you’re from 🌏 and what you do (or did) 👮‍♀️🚑🚒🪖
Only emojis allowed. No words 😉

Example:
👮‍♀️🇦🇺

Not a first responder or veteran but want to show support?
Drop any coloured heart ❤️💙💚💜🖤

No judgement. No pressure. Just connection.
You’re not alone here 🤍

👇 Jump in below 👇

01/01/2026

In 2026, the resolution isn’t to be tougher.
It’s to be healthier.

For years, frontliners have been taught to push through.
To hold the line.
To put the job first, no matter the cost.

This year, we’re changing the priority.

2026 Resolution for Frontliners:
🧠 Put mental health first, not last
🛑 Rest without needing to earn it
🤍 Ask for support before breaking point
🥾 Remember you are more than your uniform

Putting your mental health first doesn’t make you weak.
It makes you sustainable.

In 2026, we stop surviving in silence.

10/11/2025

RIP Ian 💙

Fortem Australia sends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ian Leavers APM.

Ian dedicated over 35 years to policing and public service, including his leadership as General President & CEO of the Queensland Police Union (2009–2024) and President of the Police Federation of Australia (2021–2024).

His legacy includes championing safer workplaces for police and communities, and shaping national policy on key issues like mental health, domestic violence, and child protection.

At Fortem Australia, we stand with first responders and their families, offering support for their wellbeing at challenging times.

If you or your loved one needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

To connect with us or for more information about our services, visit https://fortemaustralia.org.au

03/11/2025

This is an interesting read.

Labelled "combative" and "demeaning" by some Queensland police and academics, the WorkCover claims process leaves a former officer questioning her self-worth.

15/10/2025

Taking a moment to just be. Laying in the grass, feeling the sun on my face (even if it’s a cold one today), watching my wifey play footy. Slowing down, breathing in, grounding in gratitude. These little pauses matter 🌿💛

07/10/2025

“What’s Your Go-To?”
“Hey team — Mental Health Awareness Week.
But let’s be real, looking after your head isn’t just a one-week thing, it’s every day.
We’ve all got our go-to’s, right? The gym, a walk, fishing, the ocean, maybe even knitting or painting. Whatever helps you reset.
Make time for it. It’s not selfish, it’s survival.
So… what’s your go-to?” 💚

19/08/2025

I recently heard of a fellow colleague with over 30 years of service being medically retired.
To so many, they were a rock, the person you could go to in your time of need. Steady, calm, dependable.
Someone who seemed unshakable.
But here’s the truth: even rocks crack under enough pressure.
I know they had seen and heard more than most could imagine during their service. I didn’t know they were suffering.
This is the painful reminder, it doesn’t matter who you are, or how long you’ve been serving. None of us are immune to the toll this job can take.
Please, speak up. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Your mental health matters.
Your life matters. ⚓️

07/08/2025

Love this.
Shared from Pūkenga Psychology