Meet Tate Harris, Career Management Specialist
Thank a First Responder Day 2026 was our biggest and most impactful celebration yet, with communities across Australia coming together to recognise and thank first responders and their families for their sacrifice and ongoing dedication.
From schools and libraries to workplaces, community groups, councils and landmarks, Australians embraced the opportunity to say thank you to the people who show up for others every day – often in moments of crisis, danger and uncertainty.
This year’s campaign also carried an important reminder: while first responders are there for our communities in some of life’s most difficult moments, the impacts of the job can stay with them long after the sirens stop. Those impacts are often carried not only by first responders themselves, but also by the families who support them behind the scenes.
Across the country, communities responded with extraordinary support and appreciation, helping create a powerful national message of gratitude, visibility and connection.
Together, we achieved:
- More than 630 schools, libraries and organisations registered to take part
- More than 97 million media impressions generated nationwide
- More than 1,650 media stories and broadcasts
- 130 landmarks and monuments illuminated in teal and blue across Australia
- More than 320 artwork submissions received through the Young Voices Art Showcase
- 77 Fortem-led events and activities delivered across the country, with more than 3,000 participants registered
- Thousands of messages of gratitude shared with first responders and their families
One of the most meaningful aspects of this year’s campaign was seeing gratitude expressed in so many different ways. Children created heartfelt artwork and thank you cards, communities hosted appreciation events, landmarks lit up in support, and media outlets across the country helped amplify messages of thanks to millions of Australians.
Importantly, Thank a First Responder Day is about more than a single day of recognition. It is about reminding first responders and their families that their wellbeing matters, that their service is valued, and that the community stands beside them, not only during emergencies, but afterwards too.
For many first responders and families, simply hearing ‘thank you’ can be a powerful reminder that the work they do, and the sacrifices they make, are seen and appreciated.
To everyone who took part, thank you for helping make Thank a First Responder Day 2026 a remarkable success. Every message, activity, event and act of appreciation contributed to a nationwide celebration of the service, sacrifice and dedication of Australia’s first responders and their families.
If you participated and haven’t yet shared your feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Your insights help us continue to grow and improve Thank a First Responder Day each year.
Complete our short survey here: Thank a First Responder Day 2026 survey
And finally, save the date: Thank a First Responder Day 2027 will be held on Wednesday 9 June 2027. We hope you’ll join us as we come together once again to recognise and thank Australia’s first responders and their families.
Don’t forget to check out our 2026 Thank a First Responder Day highlights gallery: Thank a First Responder Day 2026 – Fortem Australia
