Recognise a first responder
Small gesture, big impact
In moments of crisis, uncertainty and fear, first responders step forward. They run toward danger. They hold steady in chaos. They carry the weight of other people’s hardest days.
This year, as part of our Thank a First Responder Day campaign, Fortem is inviting you to nominate a first responder for recognition, donate a coffee and show your gratitude in a simple but meaningful way.
Whether it’s a firefighter, SES volunteer, paramedic, police officer, or any other emergency service worker, your recognition helps provide a small moment of care and connection for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
By submitting a story or donating a coffee, you’re helping:
- Recognise the courage and compassion of first responders
- Support wellbeing and connection in demanding roles
- Amplify gratitude across communities nationwide
Even a small gesture can make a huge difference. Together, we can ensure every first responder knows their work and their wellbeing matters.
Shout a coffee to a first responder
Looking for a way to make a real, immediate difference? You can shout a coffee to a first responder and help them take a moment just for themselves.
Every donation supports Fortem to deliver regular Coffee Connect sessions. These sessions are more than a casual catch up, they are welcoming, low-pressure spaces where first responders can:
- Step away from the demands of their work and simply pause
- Connect with colleagues, share experiences, and feel understood
- Recharge mentally and emotionally, building resilience for the challenges they face every day
It doesn’t take much to make an impact, even a single coffee can create a meaningful moment, letting a first responder know their service is seen, valued, and appreciated.
Your generosity ensures Fortem can continue delivering these sessions across regional, rural, and urban communities, reaching the people who need support the most.
Donate a coffee
Donate a coffee
Recognise a first responder
If someone in your community has made a difference, we invite you to honour and thank them.
Submit a short story about how a first responder has helped you, your family, or your community.
Your stories will be shared with the relevant first responder agency and published on our website in our Gratitude Gallery, a national collection of community thank you messages recognising the courage, compassion and commitment of first responders across Australia.
Selected stories may also be featured across Fortem’s social media channels to help amplify community gratitude and publicly recognise outstanding service.
Your words matter. Your story could be the reminder someone needs that their service is seen and valued.
Submissions will be reviewed prior to publication. Fortem may omit or edit identifying details to protect the privacy of individuals who have not provided permission to be publicly identified.
Share your story
Take a moment to complete the form below and recognise a first responder who has made a real difference. Your story could be shared in our national Gratitude Gallery and help show them their courage, compassion, and commitment are truly appreciated.