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 recognize 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.
Introducing nation names on the fire truck fleet
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 recognize 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 recognize, support and advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Systematic, and structural changes
“Through systematic, and structural changes, FRNSW is committed to strengthening our partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Recognizing 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 organizational 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.