Inspiring the next generation through storytelling
Behind the Thank a First Responder Day packages heading out to schools, libraries and community groups across Australia are two very special people, Marie and Sally.
Part of the Fortem fold since early 2024, first as participants and now as volunteers, Marie and Sally have become the heart of Fortem on the Sunshine Coast. Whether they’re helping deliver Thank a First Responder Day activities at Australia Zoo, showing up to aerial yoga, or hosting coffees and walks, they bring energy, warmth and a deep sense of care to everything they do.
They also bring their lived experience to their volunteering, creating genuine connection and understanding for others in the first responder community. As Violeta Koeningsberg, Volunteers and Outreach Officer, shared ‘Marie and Sally embody what Fortem is all about, showing up with compassion, authenticity and a genuine commitment to supporting others.’
Most recently, they rolled up their sleeves to help pack Thank a First Responder Day packages. Each one is more than just a delivery, it’s a moment of recognition, a chance for a child, classroom or community to pause and say thank you to the people who show up when it matters most.
Marie and Sally don’t just support Fortem, they shape the experience for everyone who connects with it. Their impact is felt in every connection made, every conversation shared, and every person who walks away feeling a little more supported, a little more understood, and a little less alone.
