Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has donated a decommissioned fire truck to the Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) on the NSW Mid North Coast to help protect and maintain culturally significant land.
The bushfire tanker, which is no longer fit for purpose for FRNSW needs, will assist YAC’s Waagay Julu (fire team) to conduct cultural burns and hazard reduction within Gumbaynggirr Country in the Bellingen and Coffs Harbor local government areas.
Reduce bushfire risks
These habitats will be preserved for future generations of the Gumbaynggirr people
Waagay Julu use traditional practices to help promote biodiversity, reduce bushfire risks and preserve the cultural heritage of the land.
The area is home to a number of endangered species and ecological communities, such as koalas, gray-headed flying-foxes, giant barred frogs and the Bellingen River snapping turtles.
By managing fire in a culturally appropriate manner, these habitats will be preserved for future generations of the Gumbaynggirr people and the broader community.
Fire education initiatives
During bushfire season, the tanker will also enable Waagay Julu to be better equipped on the fire ground and support other emergency services agencies by supplying and drafting water.
When not in use, the fire truck will assist YAC in training more fire team members as well as its fire education initiatives, raising awareness about the importance of cultural burns in managing land.
FRNSW’s Reconciliation Action Plan
The appliance will be utilized as a mobile classroom, bringing interactive learning experiences to schools
The appliance will be utilized as a mobile classroom, bringing interactive learning experiences to schools and community events to demonstrate how the equipment and techniques are used to care for Gumbaynggirr Country through fire.
FRNSW Commissioner - Jeremy Fewtrell said the donation supports FRNSW’s Reconciliation Action Plan, ensuring they learn from local Aboriginal communities about cultural protocols and protecting sites and places of significance.
Fires and other emergencies
“FRNSW is committed to reducing fires and other emergencies within Aboriginal communities by using traditional culture, knowledge and skills to increase preparedness, management and resilience,” said Commissioner Fewtrell.
He adds, “This donation will assist in protecting the cultural heritage of Gumbaynggirr Country as well as foster a deeper understanding within FRNSW on cultural burning procedures and practices."
FRNSW firefighters and Gumbaynggirr Country
Kelly welcomed the grant and said the tanker will enhance the organization’s ability in training
FRNSW Commissioner - Jeremy Fewtrell continues: “Additionally, as Gumbaynggirr Country is wholly located within our Regional North 1 area, the appliance will provide an extra connection between local FRNSW firefighters and Gumbaynggirr Country. It is good to know that while the truck has finished its service with FRNSW, it will still continue to provide benefit in a fire related role.”
YAC Chief Executive Officer - Dean Kelly welcomed the donation and said the tanker will enhance the organization’s ability in training more fire team members and ensuring traditional Gumbaynggirr practices are maintained.
Traditional landscapes
“Cultural burns are essential in Aboriginal history and they support traditional landscapes being put back into Country in a sensitive way,” said Dean Kelly.
He adds, “The tanker will enable our fire team members to conduct burns more safely and effectively, protect larger areas of our land and assist other fire agencies during bushfire emergencies.”
Future of Gumbaynggirr lands and culture
The repurposed tanker has been rebranded with YAC logos and culturally appropriate imagery designed by renowned local Gumbaynggirr artist, and YAC’s Chief Operations Officer, Brentyn Lugnan.
Entitled ‘Connection to Country’, the artwork reflects YAC’s members’ ongoing and ancient connection to the region and their commitment to the future of Gumbaynggirr lands and culture.
