10 days of gratitude to our first responders
First responders are always there when we need them the most, and today is an opportunity for the community to collectively say thanks for all that they do.
Thank a First Responder Day is a day of gratitude for the hundreds of thousands of frontline workers and volunteers across Australia who put their own lives on the line to support the community in our greatest times of need.
To mark this special day, schools, community groups, councils and businesses are holding barbecues, morning teas and other events for first responders, while others have sent messages of gratitude or posted their thanks for first responders on social media.
Some people have held fundraisers, with money raised helping Fortem Australia’s work supporting the mental health and wellbeing of first responders and their families.
Monuments are also being lit up around Australia to acknowledge and thank our first responders for all that they do.
Fortem CEO Michael Willing APM praised those who are taking the time to say thanks to first responders, which include police officers, paramedics, fire fighters, emergency call operators, and the many volunteers who make up our state emergency, marine rescue and search and rescue organisations.
“Our first responders are such a valuable part of our communities and they and their families sacrifice so much to ensure they are always there for us, so it’s fantastic to see so many people thanking them for their service,” Mr Willing said.
“We know that being a first responder is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be confronting, traumatic and dangerous. That can impact the mental health and wellbeing of both first responders and their families.
“Saying thank you is such a small gesture, but it can have a great impact on the wellbeing of those who are the recipients of that gratitude. So, to all the first responders out there, thank you!”
In 2025, Thank a First Responder Day was preceded by 10 days of gratitude to recognise all of our first responders, their families and others who support them.
Thank a First Responder Day also serves as Fortem Australia’s key annual fundraising campaign, with funds raised helping Fortem to deliver a holistic range of social connection, clinical, career management and mental health literacy services for eligible first responders and their families. As a not-for-profit organisation, Fortem relies on donations, partnerships and grants to deliver this important work.
To find out more about Thank a First Responder Day, leave a message of gratitude for first responders or donate to Fortem, visit www.thankafirstresponderday.org.au