The doors of Broadford Fire Station are set to come to life thanks to an Indigenous youth art project involving students from Broadford Secondary College.
The project started in May as a way of introducing more young people to the CFA – and for CFA members to learn more about indigenous culture.
Developed by Broadford Captain Jamie Atkins, 18 young people from Years 8-10 have been creating the artwork that will cover the doors of the fire station.
Jamie wanted to do something that made people in his community proud of not only CFA, but of their young people - and in the process for everyone to learn more about local indigenous people, the Tungerung.
The concept, supported by CFA Diversity team, lead to the development of the Koori Dreaming Art Project
Through Jamie’s contacts, he gained local support for the project, including donation of materials and was able to organise nationally- renowned indigenous artist Mick Harding to provide a series of workshops to the students to learn more about indigenous art and design.
Mick has many designs in the Melbourne Museum and Art Gallery and it’s been very exciting for the students to be able to lean from him.
Broadford Koori Engagement Support Officer Tracey Phillips has said she “hasn’t seen the students so engaged and excited about something in a long time”.
“They are so involved in every aspect of the project, leading to even more students wanted to be on board.”
At the moment the project is in the concept and design phase, with the student laying the foundations on art board. The second phase of the project will see it on the doors of the fire station.
The project also involved a visit to Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum where the students were given a special tour by museum manager John Patten.
During the informative tour, they were joined by Mr Harding and Professor Uncle Henry Atkinson, who has a world of knowledge about indigenous history. They also received a special invitation to the elders’ room for lunch, which was a highlight for the students.
The project is due to be completed in early October, with a celebration and official unveiling prior to the start of fire season.
Want to know more about CFA commitment to Indigenous Inclusion and cultural awareness?
July 3 marks the start of NAIDOC week, which celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
If you are doing something in your brigade or district to celebrate NAIDOC week, why not put a story up on CFA news and media!
Also see:
Volunteers research Aboriginal fire tradition
Career firefighter recruitment at Dreamtime Expo
Learn more:
NAIDOC Week
Koori Inclusion Action Plan (KIAP)
Cultural Awareness Information Kit
Author: CFA Partnerships and Marketing