First Nations cultural training at Chewton Fire Brigade

DUMAWUL trainer Amos Atkinson delivering cultural competency training On Country at Leanganook/Mt Alexander. Photo: Steve Womersley.

 

Chewton Fire Brigade welcomed Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprise DUMAWUL to its station to deliver cultural competency training to a group of nine firefighters from Chewton and Fryerstown brigades on Thursday 15 August.

 

DUMAWUL is the cultural tourism and education arm of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, trading as DJAARA, the Registered Aboriginal Party representing Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung People), the Traditional Custodians of Dja Dja Wurrung Country, which stretches north to south from Boort to Creswick, and west to east from Donald to just beyond Bendigo.

Nine firefighters spent the morning at Chewton brigade with DUMAWUL trainers Amos Atkinson and Paul Phillips. We heard stories about Djaara culture and history, learning about the direct impacts of colonisation and gaining insights into how we, as individuals and firefighters, can live and work on Djaara Country with empathy and understanding.

“Everyone came to the training with a curious and respectful mindset,” Chewton Maintenance Officer Bec Howell said. “Amos and Paul were very open and approachable. It often felt more like a conversation than a presentation.” 

In the afternoon we drove up to Leanganook, also known as Mount Alexander, to learn about how Djaara are working to bring traditional cool burning back into land management practices. The day finished with a smoking ceremony that allowed all present to bathe themselves in spiritually cleansing cool eucalyptus smoke.

“I was really appreciative of the way Amos and Paul spoke about understanding fire management as part of a broader constellation of systems of belief,” Fryerstown Community Safety Coordinator Deane Williams said.

We also discussed ways brigades can provide a welcoming space for First Nations people interested in getting involved. Amos spoke about the significance of actions such as displaying acknowledgement-of-country signs and flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

Amos also offered other suggestions such as putting up posters with First Nations imagery, and more brigades doing cultural awareness training with local First Nations organisations. Both brigades are looking forward to implementing this advice as part of our work toward improving our awareness and inclusivity.

“Taking the time to listen took us beyond gestures, as important as they are,” said Chewton 3rd Lieutenant Steve Womersley. “Amos and Paul provided invaluable insights into how we can make our brigade a culturally safe place.”

Setting up this training outside the framework of official CFA training has been an interesting exercise for our brigade. It was moving and satisfying to spend a day listening and learning in such an open and welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to building a lasting and positive relationship between brigades in our area and the Dja Dja Wurrung Group.

We are currently looking into ways we can work with DUMAWUL to deliver this training again so more of our local firefighters can attend. We would also like to encourage other CFA brigades to consider taking on similar activities by reaching out to First Nations organisations in their local areas.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the day possible, and to everyone who attended. Special thanks to Mount Alexander Shire Council for their contribution toward the cost of the training through their Community Grants Program.

Chewton brigade wishes to acknowledge that it stands on unceded Djaara Country. We wish also to pay our respects to Djaara Elders past, present and emerging, and also to First Nations Elders across this continent.

 

Submitted by	Adam Ford