There's an art to fire safety at Redfern station
Published: 27th May 2010
Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today launched a NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) competition to design a fire safety mural to adorn the Redfern Fire Station in Sydney."This art competition is the first of its kind for the Fire Brigades," Mr Whan said.
"We are inviting people from all walks of life to consider the meaning of fire safety and express it through their artistic interpretation.
"The competition is a NSWFB initiative for National Reconciliation Week, and will close June 10. It is supported by the City of Sydney Council who have committed $10,000 towards painting materials, promotions and prizes.
"A panel of representatives, including members of the Aboriginal community, will judge the entries and the four winning designs will be showcased as a mural on the 13-metre wall outside Redfern Fire Station."
The four winners will each receive a $550 digital camera.
NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins said the Statewide competition was an innovative way to raise the critical importance of fire safety, especially among members of the Indigenous community, and help firefighters engage with their local community.
"Firefighters are always looking for new ways to educate and inform residents about fire prevention safety," Commissioner Mullins said.
"We are always working to make people aware of the need for homes to be equipped with working smoke alarms and to have a home escape plan so they know how they would get out of their house in the event of a fire.
"This art competition and the mural will help promote fire safety to the residents of Redfern and we wish all the participants the best of luck."
The project is also supported by the Department of Education and Training, the Eora Centre, Redfern Waterloo Authority, Redfern Community Centre, Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service, the Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council and the Redfern Aboriginal Housing Company.
Entries for the competition close on Thursday, 10 June. Information and the application form are on the NSWFB website at www.fire.nsw.gov.au