New look for Boggabilla Brigade truck celebrating NAIDOC Week

The striking artwork, which features a design representing the Brigade, fire trails, significant local sites, flora and ashes, appears prominently on the sides of the Brigade's vehicle and is one of the many ways the NSW RFS is participating in NAIDOC Week.

This NAIDOC Week’s theme is ‘Heal Country’ and as explained by the artist, after the fire, smoke and ashes are gone, the rebirth begins with new seedlings, plants and flowers blooming.

The Boggabilla Brigade will soon hold a traditional smoking ceremony to officially welcome the trucks new look.

NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said in focus this week is the experience and knowledge that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members bring to NSW RFS.

“This year, we are marking the week to reaffirm our ongoing commitment to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and communities we serve,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“Over the years we have continued to strengthen our work with our Indigenous communities through a range of initiatives, helping to improve the level of bush fire preparedness.

“We value the experiences and knowledge that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and members bring to our service, which continues to increase our capacity to engage respectfully with our Indigenous communities.”

Commissioner Rogers said while many planned events this week had been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Service will soon launch the NSW RFS Indigenous Pin to acknowledge and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their knowledge.

“Every day across NSW RFS you will find us working side by side, sharing knowledge, experience and culture with Indigenous communities” Commissioner Rogers said.