Rain, thunder and lightning couldn't dampen spirits at the Koorie Night Market last Friday, which was held at Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre to commemorate the Anniversary of the National Apology on 13 February.
CFA went to the market keen to promote our Koori Inclusion Action Plan (KIAP) and to connect with Aboriginal Elders and community members to explain what CFA is all about.
Phil Hawkey, Vegetation Management Officer from North East Region, travelled down especially for the event.
"it was a great opportunity to be introduced to a range of people who will help with the development of traditional burning knowledge and practice for CFA," Phil said.
One of the main focuses of KIAP is to work collaboratively with the Koori community to share vegetation management knowledge, in particular planned burning and traditional burning.
Two CFA District 14 brigades supported the event. South Morang brigade brought its tanker and several of its members, including Daryl Smith who is a member of CFA’s Aboriginal Advisory Group. Caroline Springs was kind enough to lend its kids’ truck, which kept the little ones engaged with all the lights and sirens.
Wattle Glen brigade member Olly Philips said, "it's great to see CFA coming to a Koori event and actively taking part".
The Koorie Night Market promotes and celebrates Indigenous arts and culture, however for this market they made room for a special performance by April Himmelreich and Captain Koala. There were also music performances by Indigenous artists, workshops on basket weaving and didgeridoo playing and a community mural.
"It's a real family event and I would highly recommend the next market as a great way to learn about Aboriginal arts and culture," said Kirstin Dudink from CFA's District 14 Headquarters.
CFA hopes to take part in future Koorie Night Markets.
Author: Angela Cook