Our Team
Bellator Fortitudinem is led by a diverse team of current and former first responders, health professionals, lived-experience leaders, and community advocates.
Our governance structure includes:
A skills-based Board of Directors
Advisory Council members with lived experience and sector expertise
Program, Governance & Finance, and Fundraising & Partnerships subcommittees
Together, we ensure Bellator operates with integrity, accountability, and compassion — balancing strong governance with deep understanding of the realities faced by frontline communities.
Lived experience is embedded across leadership, program design, delivery, and evaluation, ensuring our work remains relevant, ethical, and responsive
Meet the Team
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Nick White
Founding Director, CEO & Mental Health First Aider
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Jane Smith
Operations Director & Welfare Lead
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Mark Johnson
Programme Manager & Peer Support Coordinator
Our Mission & Business Plan
To prevent suicide and support recovery for Australia’s first responders and frontline workers through peer-led, trauma-informed connection, education, and lived-experience advocacy.
Our Mission
A national community where no frontline worker or family navigates trauma, transition, or recovery alone.
Bellator operates under a clear business plan that aligns with the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2024–2034), focusing on:
Prevention through connection and early intervention
Support via peer-led pathways and referral networks
Critical enablers including strong governance, embedded lived experience, workforce wellbeing, and outcome measurement
This ensures Bellator’s growth is sustainable, accountable, and impact-driven.
Our Vision
Bellator Fortitudinem does not provide clinical therapy.
Instead, we act as a peer-led support, education, and referral hub, helping members access the right support at the right time.
Services
Peer-led recovery camps and connection programs
Our services include:
Community events that reduce isolation and stigma
Education and lived-experience-informed workshops
Referral pathways to trusted trauma-informed services
Advocacy and awareness initiatives focused on first responder wellbeing
All programs are designed with safety, dignity, and lived experience at their core.
Our Supporters & Partners
Bellator Fortitudinem is proud to be supported by organisations that share our values and commitment to suicide prevention and recovery.
Supporting nourishment and wellbeing through community partnerships. Spiral Foods has pledged $5k to support us to be an exhibitor at the National Suicide Prevention Conference in 2026.
Spiral Foods
Providing connection and healing through equine-assisted experiences. Generously provided opportunities for our members to participate in their one day Horsemanship workshop in 2025.
HorseAid
Bellator is a proud organisational member, aligning our work with national suicide prevention priorities. We will be an exhibitor at the National Suicide Prevention Conference in 2026
Suicide Prevention Australia
Previous Donors, Fundraisers & Research Partners
Bellator Fortitudinem is deeply grateful to the individuals, organisations, and community groups whose generosity, expertise, and commitment make our work possible. Their support strengthens peer-led suicide prevention, research, recovery, and connection for first responders and their families.
Research & Evidence Partnerships
Major Donors & Community Supporters
Grassroots Fundraisers & Awareness Champions
With Gratitude
Dr Henry Bowen – MESHA
Dr Henry Bowen has played a pivotal role in advancing evidence-informed suicide prevention and trauma recovery for military and emergency service communities. As Senior Research Officer at MESHA, Henry leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of preventative and intervention programs for trauma-impacted personnel and their families.
Bellator members generously contributed their lived experience and insights to MESHA’s research, ensuring that frontline voices directly inform national understanding, prevention strategies, and future interventions. This partnership exemplifies the power of lived experience shaping evidence, policy, and practice.
Shaun Reid – CANNA Australia
Shaun Reid and CANNA Australia generously donated $5,000, directly supporting Bellator’s peer-led programs and recovery initiatives. This contribution reflects a strong commitment to first responder wellbeing and community-led suicide prevention.
2 Ordinary Cops Podcast – Ben Schultz & Damien Barbe
Ben Schultz and Damien Barbe raised $1,500 for Bellator through Brisbane’s Bridge to City fun run, using their platform to raise awareness of first responder mental health and suicide prevention. Their advocacy and peer-to-peer leadership exemplify grassroots action making real impact.
Trev Andre – Trev’s Survival Camp
Trev Andre has provided two fully supported survival camps for Bellator members, with more planned into the future. These camps offer powerful opportunities for reconnection, skill-building, creativity, and healing in nature — supporting recovery through shared experience, purpose, and belonging.
Fitstop Yeppoon
Fitstop Yeppoon rallied their community to raise $2,000 in support of Bellator. Their contribution highlights the vital role local businesses play in strengthening community wellbeing and standing alongside those who serve.
Every donation, fundraiser, partnership, and act of support — large or small — strengthens the safety net around Australia’s first responders and frontline families.
Together, these contributions enable:
Peer-led recovery and connection programs
Lived-experience-informed research and advocacy
Early intervention and suicide prevention initiatives
A growing national movement grounded in compassion, evidence, and community
We thank every supporter for standing with us — and with those who have spent their lives standing for others.
We are grateful for the trust, generosity, and belief these partners place in our mission.
Become a Bellator Fortitudinem Partner
Partnership is central to Bellator’s impact.
We collaborate with organisations, businesses, and agencies that share our commitment to suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, and community wellbeing.
Partnership opportunities include:
Financial sponsorships
In-kind support (equipment, venues, services)
Co-designed programs and events
Corporate wellbeing and education initiatives
Advocacy and awareness collaborations
By partnering with Bellator, organisations directly contribute to life-saving support for those who protect our communities.