Honouring the workers who confront crises

The Black Summer bushfires killed 34 people, including nine firefighters. Source: AAP/Jeremy Piper

Today is Thank a First Responder Day - an opportunity for Australians to pause and show their appreciation for the frontline workers who've sacrificed so much to protect them through fires, floods and the coronavirus pandemic. This day is also about recognising the mental health toll witnessing daily traumas can have on our first responders

Now in its second year, the day is all about stopping to recognise the front line workers who have sacrificed so much over the past 18 months to protect Australians from fires, floods and now the COVID-19 pandemic
From June 2019 until May 2020, bushfires ravaged more than 18 million hectares of Australian land, with fires breaking out in every state and territory.
Duty commander, Christopher Wilson, says team leaders are still wary of the delayed mental health effects that can arise after a severe season