Fire and Rescue NSW adopts nation naming of trucks - Across NSW
Published: 16 Dec 2022 12:08pm
More than 40 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) stations now display traditional indigenous nation names on their trucks, alongside existing geographical names, in the first tranche of a state-wide rollout.
The nation naming conventions, officially announced in a ceremony today at the Emergency Services Academy in Sydney’s west, not only recognise original custodianship but further embed Aboriginal languages and insights in mainstream consciousness.
The approach has successfully been undertaken by FRNSW in the state’s New England region and north-west for several years and will now be embraced state-wide.
The first 43 FRNSW stations to adopt nation names as part of the agency-wide rollout include Campbelltown, City of Sydney, Mount Druitt, Redfern and Ropes Crossing.
Each indigenous name has been identified and confirmed with the assistance of community elders, Aboriginal land councils and other cultural representatives.
Locally-designed indigenous artworks will also be emblazoned on vehicles, unlocking stories and providing a strong sense of belonging and identity.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the initiative will help broaden the understanding of the more than 30 Aboriginal languages in NSW.
“By introducing nation names on our fire truck fleet, we recognise our history, helping connect with First Nation Australians, and celebrating their heritage across NSW,” Ms Cooke said.
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said this is another step forward in reforms taking place across the agency to help recognise, support and advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Through systematic, and structural changes, FRNSW is committed to strengthening our partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Recognising the traditional owners of the land on which we work is just one step we can take to better reflecting the communities we serve,” Commissioner Baxter said.
The move 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.
MEDIA NOTES:
Video of nation names being applied to FRNSW trucks is available via this web link: https://vimeo.com/user/16746593/folder/14191269 [external link]
A full list of the nation names is available via this web link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dF8qoKR5-Dop4WCNHDh5ugs4_2qOzA0W/ [external link]
Still images of the dual place names already applied to FRNSW trucks in New England/north-west are available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fPMC9wUj3SVD_U1Ri6ZrvXmosc0Snj9f [external link]
Updated: 27 Jan 2023 05:15pm
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