Published on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 3:15:00 PM
Today, 11 June 2025, is Thank a First Responder Day, a time for all Australians to show their appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to protecting the public. The Shire of Merredin proudly recognises the first responders within our community and across Australia.
Throughout the nation, hundreds of thousands of first responders go to work or volunteer each day to keep their communities safe, often in less than ideal conditions. Among our local first responders, we have many individuals to thank for their unwavering commitment. These individuals form cohesive teams to keep Merredin and our wider region safe all year long.
Our outstanding first responder groups include Merredin State Emergency Service, Merredin Fire and Rescue Service, St John WA - Merredin, Merredin Police and over 200 volunteers across our bushfire brigades throughout the Shire.
The Shire is proud of our first responders, and their families, for tirelessly contributing their time and effort for the benefit of all, including the ongoing training these groups undertake to prepare themselves for any situation that they may face. First responders face life-threatening incidents, road accidents, and natural disasters to help keep us safe, but their valuable contributions don’t stop when the emergency is over.
These wonderful people also contribute to our stunning town and community spirit by holding other important roles in our community. From Shire staff to local business owners, from education staff to community group members, our first responders give back in so many ways. They are involved in youth engagement, support local events, and share their knowledge through training workshops. They also come together for community events, such as ANZAC Day, and contribute to community awareness.
Above all, our first responders are a beacon of hope.
We are a small community which often means the emergencies our first responders turn out to involve people they personally know. But even with the hardships that come with being a first responder, these wonderful people continue to make those sacrifices for others.
Receiving gratitude helps our first responders cope with impacts on their mental wellbeing, social connection and resilience to trauma. The simple act of saying thanks for the often challenging, traumatic and dangerous work they do helps ensure these dedicated individuals know they are appreciated by the communities they protect.
When we asked our first responders why they volunteer or work in these services, they collectively agreed it’s not for the recognition but for those who need help in their most desperate times.
Every first responder deserves to be celebrated and recognised for their outstanding dedication to our community. Take some time to reach out to your local first responders today – or any day – to say thanks for their tireless service to our community. The recognition our first responders deserve doesn’t end with Thank a First Responder Day, but it offers a chance to loudly share our pride in our first responders and their valuable place within our community.
Thank a First Responder Day is an initiative organised by Fortem Australia, the nation’s leading independent provider of wellbeing and mental health support services for first responders and their families. You can pay tribute to our first responders by sharing your thanks on social media using the hashtags #TAFRD #PowerOfThanks #ThankAFirstResponder. You can find out more about this initiative by visiting thankafirstresponderday.org.au or following their hashtags on social media.
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