Indigenous artwork unveiled on New England's fleet of trucks - Quirindi
Published: 20 Jul 2022 01:23pm
Four fire trucks in the New England region have been unveiled by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) today with the addition of Indigenous artwork.
Trucks from Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Quirindi and Werris Creek are all sporting the design created by local Indigenous artist Tania Hartigan.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today joined FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter in Quirindi to unveil the trucks.
“The trucks look fantastic and I can’t wait to see them driving on our roads. I congratulate FRNSW on its partnership with local Indigenous artist Tania Hartigan to symbolically recognise the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our emergency services,” Mr Anderson said.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell welcomed the inclusion of Indigenous artwork on the trucks.
“I’m pleased four fire trucks from the New England region are among the first FRNSW vehicles in the State to proudly display Indigenous artwork, and I hope it goes a small way towards encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to consider a career in firefighting,” Mr Layzell said.
Commissioner Baxter said the artwork will help to encourage discussions in the local community and offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a stronger sense of belonging and identity.
“Through systematic and structural changes, FRNSW is committed to strengthening our partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“Recognising the traditional owners of the land on which we work is just one step we can take to better reflect the communities we serve.”
The rollout of Indigenous artwork aligns with FRNSW’s core belief that diversity drives service quality, innovation and future readiness, as set out in the agency’s blueprint for organisational change known as the ‘Plus Plan.’
FRNSW’s existing Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy (IFARES) program actively targets Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and has resulted in the recruitment of 90 Aboriginal-Australian firefighters since its inception.
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:14pm
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
3 Dalley Street, Quirindi NSW 2343
11 Coronation Ave, Werris Creek NSW 2341
44 Mayne Street, Murrurundi NSW 2338