Celebrating Emergency Workers on Thank a First Responder Day

Published on 02 June 2025

First Responders in flood water - black and white TC Alfred - Bellinger River - photo credit Suza Haynes

Photo Credit: Suza Hynes - Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred - Bellinger River

Bellingen Shire Council will mark Thank a First Responder Day on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, with a series of local events to recognise and thank the region’s dedicated emergency workers—both paid and volunteer—for their tireless service to our communities.

Small gatherings will be held in Urunga, Bellingen, and Dorrigo, offering locals the opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to the people who show up—time and again—when it matters most.

Urunga Lido, Morgo Street Reserve: 9:00am – 10:30am
Bellingen (Maam Gaduying Park): 11:30am – 1:30pm (in conjunction with Council’s Community Service Stalls Day)
Dorrigo Hickory Street: 2:30pm – 4:00pm

Photo Credit: NSW SES Urunga Unit – May Floods

This year’s Thank a First Responder Day carries extra weight for Bellingen Shire. Just last week, the region was again impacted by severe flooding, prompting rescues, temporary road closures, and damage assessments across the Shire. This follows Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March, which caused landslips and further disruption across the Plateau.

“Recent events have again reminded us how incredibly fortunate we are to have such dedicated emergency responders in our region,” said Mayor Cr. Steve Allan. “They put their safety on the line to protect others—rescuing stranded residents, responding to crisis calls, and helping keep us informed and safe.”

“Sadly, this past week we also saw tragic loss of life during the floods. These moments are heartbreaking for our community. They highlight the critical role our first responders play, and how essential it is we support them—not just in crisis, but with our ongoing appreciation.”

Mayor Allan said the events planned in Bellingen Shire are an opportunity for the community to come together in gratitude and solidarity.

“Whether you say thank you in person, post a message online, or just pause to appreciate the uniformed volunteers and professionals in your community - your thanks makes a difference. It shows we stand behind them and are grateful for their efforts to keep us all safe.”

The Bellingen event at Maam Gaduying Park will also coincide with Council’s Community Service Stalls Day (12:00pm – 3:00pm), which aims to connect residents with local service providers supporting health, safety, wellbeing, and community resilience across the Shire.