Ballina comes together in gratitude

Each year, the Ballina community gathers in a powerful show of appreciation for local first responders as part of Thank a First Responder Day (TAFRD).

In 2026, that spirit of gratitude will be stronger than ever on Wednesday, 10 June.

With the generous support of Ballina RSL, this year’s event will bring together emergency services from across the region for a morning of connection, recognition and community. It is a moment to pause, come together, and acknowledge those who continue to show up for their community every day.

‘This event is about creating a space where first responders can genuinely feel the appreciation of their community,’ said Kerryann Smith, Fortem Australia’s Ballina Community Engagement Coordinator.

‘It’s not just about saying thank you, it’s about showing it in a way that brings people together and strengthens those connections.’

At the heart of the event are local school students.

Across Ballina, children are creating handwritten messages, drawings and baskets of thanks to present to first responders, sharing a simple but powerful message, ‘we see you, and we thank you.’

As the morning of Thank a First Responder Day unfolds, Ballina RSL will host a warm community gathering, with local leaders and council representatives joining to recognise the contribution of first responders before community messages and gifts are shared.

Beyond the formalities, it is the feeling in the room that defines the day. First responders, their families and community members standing side by side, taking a moment to connect and feel genuine appreciation.

Since the 2022 floods and ongoing natural disasters across the Northern Rivers, the demands on first responders have remained high. Events like this create space to pause, reconnect and feel the support of the community they serve.

Each year, Ballina RSL, Ballina Shire Council, local businesses, schools and community groups step forward to make this possible.

It is a reminder that gratitude does not have to be complex to be meaningful. Sometimes, it simply takes a community coming together and saying thank you.