Fire and Rescue NSW launches ‘Yarning Circle’ to boost firefighters’ cultural awareness - NSW
Published: 13 Jul 2023 10:34am
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is further encouraging respectful and honest conversations and the sharing of Traditional Knowledge by opening a Yarning Circle at its training centre at Orchard Hills, in Sydney’s west.
Officially unveiled off the back of NAIDOC Week, the new outdoor space at the Emergency Services Academy (ESA) is a tangible step towards Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people.
It is lined with a dozen sandstone blocks for seating, and native Australian plants which create a lively and inviting atmosphere.
Other key features of the Yarning Circle include Aboriginal story poles, which contain contemporary takes on cultural designs, in FRNSW colours, and decorative privacy screens with Aboriginal artwork designs as well.
These have been lovingly created and donated by a company owned by two Penrith-based FRNSW firefighters, Jason Douglas (a Murri man) and Trevor Eastwood (a Ngamba man).
This significant and sacred space will have many uses including hosting meetings, events and recruit classes, as well as generally providing a culturally safe place for staff to access as needed.
FRNSW Acting Commissioner, Megan Stiffler, said the Yarning Circle will help improve cultural awareness among firefighters and the agency’s administration and trades staff.
“From our recruits to our longest serving firefighters, this new space will enable us to all gain a greater understanding of our First Nations people and allow us all to better connect with those around us,” Acting Commissioner Stiffler said.
FRNSW Deputy Commissioner – Field Operations, Jeremy Fewtrell, said, “By developing a deeper understanding of traditional cultures and better reflecting the diverse people we serve, our firefighters will feel more equipped to do their jobs and our communities will ultimately be safer.”
FRNSW Senior Aboriginal Organisational Change and Development Advisor, Rhiannon Dotti, said, “the Yarning Circle is an embodiment and symbol of the connection and togetherness which Reconciliation seeks to fulfill and deliver.
“People will come together in this sacred space to learn about, share in and experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, which ultimately benefits all communities.
“It’s fitting the Yarning Circle has been developed at the training academy given the facility empowers current firefighters to support others and sets expectations for future generations about the kind of workplace we want to enjoy.”
The NAIDOC event also included a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, Aboriginal dance performances and tastings of Indigenous-inspired food.
EDITOR'S NOTE: More images of the Yarning Circle are available for download via the FRNSW website.
Updated: 13 Jul 2023 10:38am
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]