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Pathways to inclusion: Building workforce capability through the IFARES Program
The Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy (IFARES) is a flagship initiative designed to create meaningful career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within Fire and Rescue (FRNSW).
IFARES is a recruitment readiness pathway for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people residing within NSW. Designed by Aboriginal FRNSW staff, IFARES has been increasing access to FRNSW careers for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people since 2014.
IFARES has successfully recruited more than 80 Indigenous firefighters. Moreover, FRSNW currently has 5.5% of firefighters identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
This program combines cultural knowledge with technical training, offering structured employment opportunities that strengthen organisational capability while fostering trust and connection with Indigenous communities.
Since its introduction, IFARES has delivered strong outcomes in recruitment, retention, and engagement. It has also promoted mutual learning between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, enriching workplace culture and improving service delivery. Participants benefit from tailored development programs, mentoring, and culturally safe environments that support long-term success and open doors to leadership roles within FRNSW.
This presentation will explore the design and implementation of IFARES, highlighting key success factors, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. It will demonstrate how embedding Indigenous perspectives into workforce strategies enhances organisational resilience and operational excellence. Attendees will gain practical insights into creating inclusive employment pathways, building cultural competence, and aligning diversity initiatives with organisational goals.
IFARES is a recruitment readiness pathway for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people residing within NSW. Designed by Aboriginal FRNSW staff, IFARES has been increasing access to FRNSW careers for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people since 2014.
IFARES has successfully recruited more than 80 Indigenous firefighters. Moreover, FRSNW currently has 5.5% of firefighters identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
This program combines cultural knowledge with technical training, offering structured employment opportunities that strengthen organisational capability while fostering trust and connection with Indigenous communities.
Since its introduction, IFARES has delivered strong outcomes in recruitment, retention, and engagement. It has also promoted mutual learning between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, enriching workplace culture and improving service delivery. Participants benefit from tailored development programs, mentoring, and culturally safe environments that support long-term success and open doors to leadership roles within FRNSW.
This presentation will explore the design and implementation of IFARES, highlighting key success factors, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. It will demonstrate how embedding Indigenous perspectives into workforce strategies enhances organisational resilience and operational excellence. Attendees will gain practical insights into creating inclusive employment pathways, building cultural competence, and aligning diversity initiatives with organisational goals.
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