Emergency service personnel dedicate their lives to protecting communities, often working in high-pressure environments characterised by trauma exposure, operational fatigue, critical decision-making and increasing psychosocial risks. As the challenges facing our sector continue to evolve, so too must our approaches to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our people.
The ESF Mental Health Showcase brings together leaders, wellbeing practitioners, peers, chaplains, researchers and decision-makers from across Australia's emergency services sector to explore emerging evidence, innovative programs and practical solutions that are improving mental health outcomes for first responders, volunteers and their families.
This national event will feature thought-provoking presentations, leading practice case studies addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the sector today, including psychosocial safety, suicide prevention, neuroinclusion, family wellbeing, deployment support, return to work outcomes, and family violence.
Participants will gain valuable insights into evidence-informed approaches, hear from leading experts and sector peers, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of mental health and wellbeing in emergency services.
Whether you are responsible for workforce wellbeing, health and safety, people and culture, operational leadership or service delivery, the ESF Mental Health Showcase provides a unique opportunity to learn, connect and collaborate with colleagues from across the country.
Join us as we explore new ideas, share lessons learned and work together to create safer, healthier and more sustainable emergency service workforces.
Session Topics include:
- Ready to Respond: Why Psychosocial Safety Matters
- The Home Front: Family Violence and First Responders
- Families Matter: The Missing Piece in Workforce Wellbeing
- Thinking Differently: Embracing Neurodiversity in Emergency Services
- Suicide: The Wicked Problem Facing Emergency Services
- Deployment and Wellbeing: Rethinking Support for Our People
- Beyond the Numbers: Rethinking Return to Work Success
Date: Friday, 21 August 2026
Workshop Location: RACV City Club, 501 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC
Time: 08:30am (9:00am Start) - 16:30pm
