Our first responder stories
Fortem Australia’s ambassadors share their messages and lived experiences to foster connection and understanding around the importance of mental fitness for long-term health and wellbeing.
Latisha Whalan
Latisha has been a First Nations member of QLD Police for 13 years and is Acting Sergeant in the Crime Prevention Programs Unit. Latisha pledges “to lead with kindness and create a safe place to assist first responders with opening up about the hardships we often face but don’t talk about."
Emma Shawyer
Emma is an Intensive Care Paramedic with NSW Ambulance. She has more than 10 years’ experience in roles that have seen her on the frontline, helping communities in times of national disaster and providing specialist experience in rural areas. Emma is committed to guiding first responders to find their passions and strive for more.
Tyson Taylor
Tyson has served as an operational Firefighter with Fire Rescue Victoria since 2018. Prior to this, he was an Australian Army Officer for almost 12 years. Tyson is a Reserve Army Officer and Governor of the Shrine of Remembrance. Tyson is an active community leader in improving mental health in First Responders and Military Service Personnel, particularly in Suicide and Post Traumatic Stress Injury prevention.
Elisabeth Goh
Elisabeth is a volunteer firefighter of Hornsby Heights RFB (NSW RFS) and Manager at EY Australia, leading the Oceania Emergency Management and Disaster Resilience Community of Practice. She has a passion for creating a diverse, equal, and inclusive workforce, drawing upon her own experiences as a young, queer woman of colour.
