A Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) truck has been decorated with distinctive indigenous artwork to commemorate Reconciliation Week. The design is a joint collaboration by first nations FRNSW firefighters, Muliyan Waters, Shawn Orcher, and Brodee Mate, who worked together at Redfern Fire Station.
The truck will be publicly unveiled from midday tomorrow, the first day of winter, at the Sydney Swans Fan Day, at The Plaza, between the Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion at Moore Park.
Fire truck adorned in striking indigenous artwork
Firefighters will use the fire truck’s unique design to engage the community
Firefighters will use the fire truck’s unique design to engage the community and provide winter fire messages, particularly relating to smoke alarm checks and kitchen safety. The artwork has been designed to pay tribute to the lands on which our firefighters serve.
“Gadigal is the country on which Redfern Fire Station responds and the community with which the crew engages, and each component of this piece reflects an aspect of our service,” said Senior Firefighter Orcher.
Artwork design concept
“The middle circle represents the fire station as a meeting place and the outer circles represent the four different shifts that comprise the station’s personnel.” explained Senior Firefighter Orcher, adding “The colors, red and orange, represent fire and FRNSW’s burning desire to represent our communities.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, has joined Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib, inspecting the new-look fire engine as it re-entered active duty.
Intricate artwork on fire truck offers positive messages
“The terrific, colorful artwork can’t help but start positive conversations as the crews go about their work,” said Commissioner Fewtrell, adding “We are proud of the messages behind the artwork, which represent the communities in which we serve.”
Minister Dib was impressed with the intricacy of the artwork.
Variation of colors used in the design
“It’s not just the eye-catching design, but the meaning behind it,” said Minister Dib, adding “The Emu footprints represent the journey of female firefighters, the Kangaroo prints, the male firefighters’ pathway.”
He continues, “The variation of colors used for the crew represents Redfern being an eclectic melting pot of culture of all different races, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.”
