Day 10: Thank you to those who take our emergency calls.
Townsville once again came together in a powerful show of appreciation and support for local first responders and their families during Thank a First Responder Day 2026, with businesses, community organisations and supporters across the region helping make this year’s celebrations one of the most meaningful yet.
Among those showing their support was AVAC Services, who demonstrated their commitment to first responder wellbeing through a generous cash donation to Fortem Australia during the week of celebrations.
AVAC Services is passionate about supporting organisations that promote mental health and wellbeing, particularly those working with individuals impacted by PTSD. Recognising the importance of early intervention and prevention, the company understands that proactive support can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes for those regularly exposed to trauma through their work.
The Townsville celebrations highlighted the strength of community support behind first responders, with local organisations stepping forward to help create opportunities for connection, appreciation and wellbeing.
CQUniversity proudly hosted the annual First Responder Breakfast for the third year running, continuing its ongoing support and contribution towards Thank a First Responder Day in the region. The breakfast brought together first responders, families and community members in a meaningful show of gratitude and recognition.
Coffee Paws added a special touch to the morning, generously creating 150 custom cookies especially for the event, while Brothers League Club demonstrated extraordinary community support by utilising community grant funding to support a special afternoon tea for first responders later in the day.
Support for first responder families also extended beyond these events, with Harwell Home Care sponsoring 10 hampers delivered to first responder stations across North Queensland, while 80 first responder families came together for a Family Day at Billabong Sanctuary as part of Fortem’s 10 Days of Gratitude, a national series of events recognising the important support families provide and creating opportunities for connection and quality time together.
Fortem Australia Townsville Activities Officer Katrina Bushnell said the support shown across the community highlights how valued first responders and their families are throughout the region.
‘Thank a First Responder Day is always incredibly special, but this year really showed what can happen when an entire community comes together to recognise and support the people who dedicate themselves to helping others,’ Katrina said.
‘The generosity shown by organisations like AVAC Services, CQUniversity, Brothers League Club, Coffee Paws and Harwell Home Care helps create meaningful moments of connection and appreciation for first responders and their families.’
The support comes at a time when first responders continue to face increasing demands and repeated exposure to traumatic incidents. While communities often see the immediate response to emergencies, the impacts of the job can stay with first responders and their families long after the event itself.
Rachelle Foley, AVAC National Defence and Veteran Engagement Manager said the organisation is proud to stand alongside first responders and veteran communities alike.
‘While AVAC works predominantly with veterans, we recognise that both first responders and veterans serve our communities and can be impacted by PTSD. We believe in fostering greater collaboration and would welcome more opportunities where defence personnel, veterans and first responders come together in mutual recognition and support of the vital work they do for our country,’ she said.
In addition to their recent donation, AVAC Services is currently exploring opportunities to become an ongoing supporter of Fortem Australia, further demonstrating their commitment to those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
Fortem Australia extends its sincere thanks to all organisations, businesses and community members who helped make Thank a First Responder Day in Townsville such a success. Together, their support helped deliver a powerful reminder to first responders and their families that their service, sacrifice and wellbeing are recognised, valued and appreciated by the community they serve.
