By Natalie Francis and Hannah Mercer, NSW Rural Fire Service

Reconciliation is everyone’s business and RFS has seized the opportunity to mobilise and positively influence our 70,000+ volunteer members in participating in a society where our shared history is understood, Culture is valued and celebrated, and we step forward together towards healing. 

The effects of colonisation continue to adversely impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today, and while progress towards equity has been made, a concerted effort is required at a local level to drive change nationwide.  

On November 09, 2023, NSW Rural Fire Service became one of the first emergency service agencies in Australia to have a Reconciliation Action Plan endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.

Our ‘Reflect’ RAP, co-developed and implemented by a representative working group of non-Indigenous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and an external consultant, commits the Service to 37 practical and meaningful actions implemented over an 18-month period that hold RFS accountable in progressing Reconciliation within our sphere of influence. 

The successful implementation of these action items is expected to result in improved relationships with communities, strengthened capabilities in bushfire prevention and response, and increased representation and improved psychological safety of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members. All these outcomes are linked to the safety of the people of New South Wales.

RFS is uniquely positioned to progress Reconciliation. The vast geographical spread of our volunteer membership, coupled with financial limitations and legislative requirements, has promoted creative approaches to achieving action items. This extends to socially conscious procurement, partnerships with other agencies in delivering land management programs that support cultural practices, productive relationships with community, tangible and public demonstrations of respect for Culture, and delivery of educational resources to increase cultural capability within our membership and encourage personal responsibility. 

RFS remains committed to Reconciliation as we progress to an Innovate RAP in 2025.