Nick is a 50-year-old single dad. He always wanted to join the military and dreamed of becoming a helicopter pilot. He decided instead to join the infantry and later trained as a paratrooper in Australia He was based at Holsworthy. He was eventually medically discharged after injuring his spine in a truck accident. After leaving the military, Nick moved to London. He spent five years working in the toy department at Harrods before returning home and managing a friend’s bar in Australia.

Encouraged by family, Nick joined the New South Wales Police at age twenty-seven, the same age and first station as his father. He began a long career as a first responder.

Nick saw the police force like a family business, with many parallels to his father’s experience. He valued the sense of belonging and the significance of helping others in the job.

Nick faced the challenges of mental health, repeated trauma, and the impact on relationships. He saw changes in how mental health was approached, but believed more support and education were needed.

After leaving the force, Nick founded Bellator Fortitudinum, a nationwide non-profit which evolved from a Facebook support group. The charity offers support and a safe space to first responders and advocates for better mental health care and understanding.

Social Media

Closed Facebook group Bellator Fortitudinem

www.bellatorfortitudinem.com

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.