Filling cups and sharing gratitude this Thank a First Responder Day
When emergencies unfold, first responders are often the people moving toward danger while everyone else is trying to get away.
Today marks Day 1 of Fortem Australia’s 10 Days of Gratitude, a national campaign recognising the courage, compassion and commitment of first responders and their families ahead of Thank a First Responder Day on Wednesday 10 June 2026.
From bushfires and floods to medical emergencies, road crashes and security incidents, first responders are there during some of the most difficult moments in our communities.
Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, volunteers and support teams make split-second decisions under pressure to protect and support others – often at great personal cost.
Thank a First Responder Day continues to shine a light on the extraordinary contribution first responders make every single day, often without recognition.
Today, we thank the people who step toward danger so others can move to safety.
First responders witness situations most people hope they never experience, yet they continue to show resilience, professionalism and compassion in the face of uncertainty.
Their work not only protects lives and property, but also provides reassurance and hope to communities during difficult times.
And behind every first responder is a family making sacrifices too. To those families who support their loved ones through long shifts, missed milestones and difficult days – thank you.
When communities face their hardest moments, first responders continue showing up. Today, Australians are encouraged to turn gratitude into action by leaving a message of thanks for the first responders and families who stand beside communities during emergencies and disasters.
Leave your message of thanks in Fortem Australia’s Gratitude Gallery.