Strengthening community ties: Bellingen hosts its annual Thank a First Responder Day, honouring those who sacrifice their own time to protect ours.
First established in 2020, Thank a First Responder Day for 2026 was successfully held in Bellingen on 10 June, bringing together emergency services, community leaders, schools, and local residents to recognise and thank the volunteers and personnel who help keep our community safe. As many within our community will already appreciate, first responders are ordinary people who live alongside us. They have families, friends, commitments, and homes to go to at the end of their working day. Yet, they dedicate every day to protecting our communities and keeping us safe.
The event was attended by Mayor Steve Allan, Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan, who thanked representatives from NSW Police, NSW RFS, and NSW SES representing our first responder volunteers from across the Shire. Students and staff from Bellingen Public School and Urunga Public School were also in attendance to say thank you.
The community enjoyed the opportunity to meet local first responders, learn more about the vital work they undertake, and express their appreciation for their ongoing service. The event highlighted the strong partnerships between emergency services, schools, community organisations, and all levels of government in building a safer and more resilient community. Students had opportunity to engage and hear from emergency service personnel with a highlight for many of the students was the opportunity to look over the fire tanker from the RFS North Bellingen Brigade.
A special thank you goes out to the Bellingen Lions Club, who generously cooked the community BBQ, helping create a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees, and to Fortem Australia for providing gift baskets and the food for the event. A particular highlight was the inclusion of a personalised thank you message in each gift basket prepared by students.
The positive turnout and engagement demonstrated the community’s strong support for first responders and reinforced the importance of recognising the dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice of those who respond during emergencies and disasters, giving opportunity to continue to strengthen community resilience through connection, appreciation, and collaboration across the Shire.
