Boots on the Frontline

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.

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

08/07/2025

🌍 International Paramedics Day 💙

Today, we celebrate the quiet heroes who run toward emergencies while the rest of us seek safety. Paramedics are the heartbeat of our emergency response systems — calm in chaos, skilled in crisis, and full of compassion when it’s needed most.

Behind every siren is a story of courage. Behind every uniform, a human being who has chosen a life of service.

To all paramedics: thank you for your strength, your sacrifice, and your relentless dedication to saving lives — often without recognition, always without hesitation.

You are the difference between fear and hope. And today, we honor you.

04/07/2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with this members family, friends and their blue family.

Another life gone too soon. Please reach out if you need help.

You don’t have to earn support by breaking completely. You don’t have to hit rock bottom before you reach out.

You are not weak. You are human.

And healing starts when you stop pretending

Remember this: it’s okay to stumble. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to admit you’re not okay.

Deeply saddened to be advised of the sudden passing of a Victorian Police member.
Our condolences go to the members family, friends and work colleagues.
As always, we ask that if anyone needs assistance to reach out to your colleagues or welfare units.

Contact phone numbers are below
TPAV welfare 9468 2600
Police welfare 1300 090 995
Beyond Blue 1300 867 888
TELUS Health 1300 361 008

27/06/2025

First responders and veterans carry burdens most people will never fully understand. Their battles don’t end when the shift is over or the war is done. PTSD isn’t just a one-day awareness topic it’s a daily reality.

👉 Let’s stop waiting for special dates to care.

✨ Prioritise your mental health.
✨ Support those who serve and protect us.
✨ Talk about PTSD every day.

Together, we can break the stigma, offer real help, and remind those who’ve sacrificed so much that they are not alone.

PTSD doesn’t leave a scar you can see—but make no mistake, it’s an injury. A serious one.
It can sneak up on you.
Not all at once… but in small, quiet ways:

Mood swings. Withdrawing from people. Feeling numb. Always on edge—or completely shut down.

Losing joy in what you used to love.

Getting angry fast.

Thinking dark thoughts.

Struggling with s*x.

And wondering, what’s wrong with me?
This is PTSD.

And you’re not weak for feeling this way.

You’re injured.
But here’s what’s important to know:
You can heal.

It takes time.

And it takes work.

But like any injury, recovery is possible—if you take steps to heal.
• Talk to a professional you trust.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs—they make it worse.
• Get your sleep routine back on track.
• Practice gratitude.
• Learn to breathe again. Literally.
• Move your body. Every day.
• Eat like you care about yourself—80% of the time.
You might not see the healing yet,

but you will heal.
Like a broken ankle, you might not walk quite the same…

but you will walk again.