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“2 Paths 1 purpose” NSW Rural Fire Service Aboriginal programs building stronger connections in 2025
In 2025 the Aboriginal Programs section of Area Operations continues its commitment to strengthening cultural inclusion and community engagement within the RFS. Building on the strong foundations and networks established in 2024, the program focuses on creating an environment that is culturally safe, respectful, and welcoming for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Aligned with the RFS Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the programs key out comes include:
* Recruitment and Retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People within the RFS.
* Cultural Education and Support for members and stakeholders.
* Building Cultural Networks and contributing to Community Preparedness.
* Coordinating Activities across Field Operations that foster cultural inclusion and deliver on RAP
commitments.
* Support Aboriginal Ranger Teams attached to Local Aboriginal Lands Councils with their oncountry
programs and emergency management.
The Aboriginal Support Network continued to grow in 2025, culminating in a Yarn Up gathering in Dubbo in December. The opportunity to have a yarn and venture out on country fuelled collaboration and resulted in a draft Mission Statement being produced for the network, along with a formalised leadership structure. This will form the basis for the future of the group, providing structure, direction, and purpose. The Mission Statement will be finalised at the next Yarn Up gathering to be held in April 2026. The network is actively involved in contributing to activities including NAIDOC week, recruitment and Careers Expos.
Decommissioned RFS appliances are a valuable resource to remote Aboriginal Communities and LALCs, providing a tool that can be used to not only protect the community but also allow for Communities to undertake Cultural Burning and Hazard Mitigation on Aboriginal managed land. Training has also been provided from the Districts and Aboriginal Programs Officers in how to use the appliances and on Fire Fighter training.
Aligned with the RFS Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the programs key out comes include:
* Recruitment and Retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People within the RFS.
* Cultural Education and Support for members and stakeholders.
* Building Cultural Networks and contributing to Community Preparedness.
* Coordinating Activities across Field Operations that foster cultural inclusion and deliver on RAP
commitments.
* Support Aboriginal Ranger Teams attached to Local Aboriginal Lands Councils with their oncountry
programs and emergency management.
The Aboriginal Support Network continued to grow in 2025, culminating in a Yarn Up gathering in Dubbo in December. The opportunity to have a yarn and venture out on country fuelled collaboration and resulted in a draft Mission Statement being produced for the network, along with a formalised leadership structure. This will form the basis for the future of the group, providing structure, direction, and purpose. The Mission Statement will be finalised at the next Yarn Up gathering to be held in April 2026. The network is actively involved in contributing to activities including NAIDOC week, recruitment and Careers Expos.
Decommissioned RFS appliances are a valuable resource to remote Aboriginal Communities and LALCs, providing a tool that can be used to not only protect the community but also allow for Communities to undertake Cultural Burning and Hazard Mitigation on Aboriginal managed land. Training has also been provided from the Districts and Aboriginal Programs Officers in how to use the appliances and on Fire Fighter training.
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