A mental health support program for Bega Valley's first responders was launched in Quaama last week, with local firefighters already enjoying the benefits.
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On December 4, Fortem Australia launched its Black Summer bushfire support services for first responders and their families alongside the Quaama Rural Fire Brigade.
Fortem's managing director and co-founder, John Bale, acknowledged the need for support services in the area.
"In a year like this, it's easy to feel like everyone's forgotten and moved, but we know it's vital to remember, to listen, and to work towards providing stronger support services not only for the first responder but for the family that supports them through all the highs and lows."
Quaama RFS captain Paul Sheargold welcomed Fortem and offered an insight into the trauma the community faced during the 2019/20 bushfires, which destroyed many local homes, including those of volunteers in the Quaama brigade.
"We had some tough decisions on that night, early that morning... toughest one I ever made was driving away from Vic's house while it burnt down. Sometimes you got to do it. You got no water, you got no back up, no-one is coming to help us," Mr Sheargold said.
"It's really important that we are shown the support that a group like Fortem is bringing to us.
"It's really important that we work with people like that and they work with us, so that we can all adjust to what we've been through and what we are going into."
When Hayley, Fortem's activities officer for the Bega Valley region, took to the lectern, it was easy to understand why she brings such exuberance and commitment to her role.
"Having first responders in my family, I've seen first hand the heart, the soul and the time that first responders pour into the community. I've seen the challenges that first responder families face, the sacrifices that they make," she said.
Her dedication to her community was reflected in her words.
"My work is supporting the first responders that keep this community safe, this community that I love. I'm so proud to be standing here as a representative of Fortem, which is a young organisation but we have so much heart.
"It's really important to me that I'm part of an organisation that reflects the values that I have and reflects the values the community has, in terms of supporting one another, looking out for one another, being community focused and being family focused."
As a delicious, healthy lunch was offered to guests, conversations were struck up as the attendees from various first responder agencies, such as SES and RFS, as well as other local support networks, shared their stories with the Fortem team.
Among the conversations and camaraderie that comes from shared challenges and rebuilding of the community, the need for support services was acknowledged.
A calendar of Fortem's activities for first responders and their families is here for registrations
