Sunrise gratitude on the Sydney Harbour Bridge
A powerful national initiative is set to inspire students across Australia, combining storytelling, education, and community connection as part of this year’s Thank a First Responder Day (TAFRD) campaign.
At the heart of the program is award-winning author J.E. Miller, whose book Remember: Triple Zero Heroes has been selected as the featured book for the 2026 campaign. As part of this initiative, copies of the book are being gifted to libraries, schools, and community organisations who register to participate in TAFRD, ensuring young Australians everywhere have access to stories that highlight courage, resilience, and the everyday heroism of first responders.
Building on the impact of the book, Ms Miller is delivering The Hero Within: Storytelling for Thank a First Responder Day, an interactive virtual workshop designed to bring these themes to life in classrooms nationwide.
The workshops offer far more than a traditional author talk. Students are guided through creative writing, storytelling, public speaking, and performance activities that encourage them to explore their own ideas while reflecting on the real-world contributions of emergency service workers. By connecting literature with lived experiences, the sessions help students develop empathy, confidence, and a deeper understanding of community.
‘Whether your students are emerging writers or confident performers, these sessions are designed to spark imagination, encourage critical thinking, and make learning genuinely fun,’ said Ms Miller.
With growing recognition of the pressures faced by first responders, programs like this provide an opportunity for students to engage in important conversations while building essential literacy and communication skills.
Each workshop is tailored to suit different age groups and learning needs, with strong links to the Australian Curriculum in English, Literacy, and The Arts. Delivered live online, the sessions are accessible to metropolitan, regional, and remote schools alike, ensuring broad participation regardless of location.
A key element of the campaign is its focus on giving back. In addition to the nationwide book distribution, the workshop program also contributes to the wellbeing of first responder families, with a portion of proceeds supporting Fortem Australia.
By combining storytelling with real-world impact, The Hero Within initiative is helping students not only learn but connect, encouraging them to recognise the heroes in their communities and discover their own voice in the process.
With strong interest already building for Term 2 sessions, schools are being encouraged to secure bookings early and take part in a campaign that is as educational as it is inspiring.
Dates available: Flexible days and times during term 2. Schools request their best time, and we’ll coordinate to find a time that works.
How to book: Schools can email Tamara Hewson at Speakers Ink to book tamara@speakers-ink.com.au
For more information visit: Shop Thank a First Responder Day – Fortem Australia
