Mental Health Commission
Research shows that first responders are repeatedly exposed to traumatic events, while also being exposed to psychological hazards in the workplace, such as high job demands and shift work. The First Responders Project aims to strengthen the capacity of first responder organisations to prevent psychological harm and promote mental health and wellbeing.
The Mental Health Commission (Commission) convenes a First Responders Working Group (FRWG), which includes representatives from key agencies: Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Western Australia Police Force, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Department of Justice, and St John WA. The FRWG provides a forum where agencies can share programs and ideas to address common mental health and wellbeing challenges of first responder employees, volunteers and families.
As an initiative of the First Responders Working Group, the Commission partnered with Curtin University’s Future of Work Institute to work with first responder agencies to develop the First Responder Thrive at Work Prevent Harm Toolkit and training packages. This initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of first responder organisations, across both volunteer and paid workforces, to prevent psychological harm and promote mental health and wellbeing through evidence-based, system-level work design strategies. The toolkits and training packages are the first of their kind in Australia.
In 2023, the Mental Health Commission partnered with first responder agencies and organisations to co-design targeted mental wellbeing messaging for Western Australian first responders. Informed by exploratory research, a suite of practical creative assets were produced to encourage care conversations, help-seeking and use of workplace support services.
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Page last updated22 May 2026
