Young Voices Art Showcase Winners Announced

Fortem Australia is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Young Voices Art Showcase, celebrating the creativity, gratitude and unique perspectives of young Australians as they recognise first responders and their families.

As part of Thank a First Responder Day, the Young Voices Art Showcase invited children and young people from across Australia to express what first responders mean to them through art. This year’s entries featured powerful messages of thanks, reflections on courage and community, and heartfelt tributes to those who serve others during times of need.

The winning artworks were selected by Fortem Australia CEO Mick Willing APM and Fortem’s Children and Family Ambassador, Piper Johnson, who had the difficult task of choosing from an exceptional collection of entries.

Fortem CEO Award

Thank You

Jiaai, Age 10

Artist description: Because of you, we feel safe.

Jiaai’s artwork captured the sense of safety, comfort and reassurance that first responders provide to families and communities every day.

Mick Willing selected the artwork as the recipient of the Fortem CEO Award, saying:

“This artwork beautifully captures something many first responders rarely get to see, the impact they have on families and communities. The contrast between the safety inside the home and the challenges being faced outside is incredibly powerful. It also reflects the sacrifice first responders make, often missing moments with their own families while helping to keep others safe. Jiaai’s artwork reminds us that behind every emergency response is a family, a community, and a sense of safety made possible by the dedication and sacrifice of first responders.”

Fortem Children and Family Ambassador Award

Thank You

Play and Learn, Age 4 (Group Entry)

Artist description:  At Play and Learn, we collaborated with the Pre-Prep 2 children to create a meaningful group artwork inspired by first responders in our community. Through conversations about the important roles first responders play, the uniforms they wear, and the vehicles they use, the children shared their ideas, knowledge, and appreciation. These discussions inspired the final artwork, which also includes heartfelt words of thanks to recognise the dedication and service of our community heroes

Piper Johnson selected the artwork as the recipient of the Children and Family Ambassador Award, saying: “Their collaborative artwork really moved me and I was really impressed by their passion for first responders from such a young age.”

Runner Up and Special Recognition

Black Summer: Holding the Line
Matilda, Age 14

Matilda’s artwork was recognised as the runner up in this year’s showcase for its powerful portrayal of the courage, sacrifice and resilience shown by firefighters and emergency crews during the Black Summer bushfires. Through striking imagery and emotion, the artwork captured both the scale of the challenge faced by first responders and the lasting gratitude felt by communities they protected.

Mark Oliphant College

Fortem Australia would also like to acknowledge Mark Oliphant College for its exceptional support of the Young Voices Art Showcase. The school demonstrated a remarkable commitment to encouraging creativity and community appreciation, inspiring students to reflect on the important role first responders play in keeping Australians safe. Their enthusiasm and participation made a meaningful contribution to this year’s showcase.

A powerful thank you from the next generation

The Young Voices Art Showcase highlights the unique way children and young people see first responders. Through colour, creativity and imagination, they captured not only the work first responders do, but also the feelings of safety, gratitude and community connection that their service creates.

The judges were incredibly impressed by the quality, creativity and thoughtfulness of entries received from across Australia, making the final selections exceptionally difficult.

Fortem Australia would like to thank every young artist, parent, educator, early learning centre, school and community group who participated in this year’s showcase. The quality of entries was exceptional, and every artwork served as a meaningful reminder of the impact first responders have on individuals, families and communities across Australia.

Congratulations to our winners, finalists and all who took part. Your artwork has helped shine a light on the people who answer the call when our communities need them most.

View all of our amazing finalists artwork: Thank a First Responder Day 2026 – Fortem Australia