Code 9 - Celebrating 10 Years

What began as a simple Facebook group called The Blue Initiative on 28 June 2015 has grown into one of the most trusted support networks for current and veteran professional first responders across Australia.

A Decade of Support, Strength and Service: 10 Years of Code 9

From that very first day, our purpose was clear: to walk beside those who serve and protect, and their families, through every chapter of their journey. What started with police has rapidly expanded to include paramedics, Triple Zero operators, and professional firefighters, reflecting our shared experiences and need for connection, understanding and care.

Ten years on, The Code 9 Foundation has become more than a support group: it’s a community, a movement, and a lifeline.

Our Impact, By the Numbers

We’ve achieved more than we ever imagined possible, not just because of our volunteers, donors and supporters, but because our members trusted us enough to let us in.

Six assistance dogs have been placed with first responders – Ludo, Gregory, Spencer, Junior, Jersey with a funded dog to be placed in the next month and funding has been secured for two further dogs in the near future.
Over 2,000 meals supplied to members in need.
158 nights of respite offered to 139 first responders and their families.
Support has taken many forms: house and garden maintenance, food and fuel vouchers, firewood deliveries, Uber and movie vouchers, toy drives, and mental health care hampers.

Community, Connection, and Recovery

We’ve never stopped looking for new ways to bring people together:

Our podcast now has 44 episodes filled with hope and stories of healing.
We helped launch Operation Soul Surf and funded its first four sessions.
We’ve backed wellness events for The Journey Forward and run two women’s retreats.
Our collaboration with Aussie Veterans Coffee Co. has seen members surf, 4WD, cycle, fish, enjoy high teas, visit Luna Park, and even try indoor skydiving together, as part of our fully funded social connection activity program.

Supporting the Whole Family

We know trauma doesn’t just affect one person: it touches everyone they love. That’s why we’ve:

Code 9 kid's canoeing camp

Womens Retreat 2025

My Dad, My Hero Kids Book

Code 9 Fishing Charters

I Fly Sky Diving

Hosted two partner support forums, featuring psychologists, yoga and mindfulness experts, and financial wellbeing sessions from ESSS.
Maintained a private Facebook group for carers and partners, offering connection, advice and solidarity.
Funded a mental health first aid course for partners.
Sent children of first responders to a week-long adventure camp just for them.
As well as wrote and published a children’s book, My
Dad, My hero, to support the children of First Responders.

Every Day, We Show Up

Behind the scenes, we continue to maintain our private Facebook community of over 3,300+ members – a place where just last year alone, nearly 2,000 posts sparked 13,000 comments and 44,000 reactions. Every post is a reminder that no one is alone – there’s always someone listening, someone who understands.

We’ve rehomed dogs to first responder families, supported those in inpatient care with specialised care packages, and published the children’s book My Dad, My Hero, helping families start tough conversations with empathy and heart.

What’s Next?

We’ll keep going because the need hasn’t gone away. Because the job doesn’t get easier. And because behind every uniform is a person, and a family, who deserves support.

To everyone who’s walked with us over the past ten years, thank you. You’ve helped build a legacy of care, courage and connection. Here’s to the next chapter.

The Code 9 Foundation – You're Never Alone.