NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Sunday 10 July saw CFA satellite station of Toorloo Fire Brigade, Lake Tyers Trust, held a NAIDOC week event encompassing an emergency services theme and family fun day with a touch of residential fire safety education for the children with the smoke house operating during the event.
The event was held at the Community Hall on the Trust with a BBQ lunch, lucky door prizes and a silent auction of local aboriginal artwork. The event was well supported by local CFA brigades, Lakes Entrance, Bruthen, Toorloo, Wairewa, DELWP crews from Nowa Nowa, Highway Police Patrol Vehicle and of course Captain Koala. We had perfect weather, a great atmosphere and of course lovely views in the background of the Lakes.
Events like this are a great demonstration of how effectively CFA in particular the Gippsland area work in collaboration with the local Koori community understanding the importance of co-ordinating and recognising important occasions such as NAIDOC. Not only does it build on our knowledge and partnerships with Koori communities it also creates further awareness of emergency management and community safety.
Author: Jodie Wilmes