On 12 October Snake Valley Rural Fire Brigade welcomed CFA Board Member Lynda Hamilton to unveil an amazing piece of artwork installed in the front garden of the station.
Positioned next to the local walking trail so it can be shared with the whole community, it has transformed a small garden into a focal point, framed by two flag poles.
Inspired by the brief of ‘Fire to country’, the painting titled ‘Regeneration of the land for all people’ is by Indigenous man, Marvan Morgan.
The stimulus for this project was the launch of CFA’s Indigenous inclusion policy.
A generous grant from Pyrenees Shire Council funded the artwork through the Torch Project, which encourages incarcerated Indigenous community members to re-engage with their heritage and culture through art.
Funding was also provided by CFA for an additional flag pole.
The evening was a great success with District 16 Operations Officer Ian Morley as MC and guest speakers Catherine Darbyshire from Justice Victoria and Ted Lovett, an Indigenous Elder.
There was a full smoking ceremony accompanied by a digeridoo, and the evening concluded with songs by local primary schoolchildren and supper made from local and indigenous plants.
The members of Snake Valley brigade are proud to be the home of this special piece of art.