Goodstart Early Learning Fedrick Street leads with heart

At Goodstart Early Learning Fedrick Street in Boronia Heights, gratitude is being shared in the most heartfelt way, around a table.

For Thank a First Responder Day 2026, the children, educators and families are preparing baked goods and hosting a special morning tea for their local first responders. It is a simple gesture, but one grounded in respect, learning and genuine care.

Alongside the celebration, the centre is also raising funds through its dedicated Grassrootz page, inviting families and the broader community to contribute. By combining connection with action, the Goodstart Fedrick Street community is showing children that appreciation can be both spoken and lived.

Their involvement builds on the momentum of 2025, when the centre hosted an event and personally delivered gifts to local first responders. The experience left a lasting impression on the children and strengthened ties within the local community.

For Leanne Gartshore, the day is deeply personal.

‘Thank a First Responder Day is very close to my heart. My late sister served as a police officer at Loganholme, and I saw both the dedication she brought to her role and the challenges she faced. Being able to honour her memory by helping our children learn gratitude and compassion means more than I can put into words,’ said Leanne.

The centre welcomes children from six weeks to Pre Kindy, and through initiatives like this, even the youngest learners begin to understand what service, courage and community look like in real life.

On 10 June, this will not just be a morning tea. It will be a moment of remembrance, education and heartfelt thanks.