During National Reconciliation Week, the Country Fire Authority is highlighting the contributions of its Indigenous members.
Echuca Fire Brigade junior volunteer Kaylea Blake has been a part of CFA’s junior program for three years, since she was 12 years old, and wants to inspire other Indigenous people to consider joining the organisation.
“I’d like to inspire other Indigenous people to join CFA or participate in other activities that will put themselves out of their comfort zone to help save the land,” she said.
“Doing training and running competitions throughout the year gives CFA juniors an opportunity to make friends with people from the brigade and other brigades across Victoria.”
Kaylea joined the CFA after being inspired by stories of her great uncle, a former CFA volunteer.
“I’ve looked up to the seniors in the brigade since I was 13 and being a leader of the brigade one day would be a great achievement,” she said.
Echuca Fire Brigade junior leader Colin Atkinson said when his grandfather joined the CFA, he was the only Indigenous firefighter at the brigade.
Mr Atkinson has made it his mission to help get more of the Indigenous community involved, praising the involvement of the young Indigenous members of the brigade.
“I’m really proud to see so many young Indigenous children involved. There are not a lot of Indigenous firefighters around, and I’ve seen the juniors thrive as a result of this program,” he said.
“I’m proud to say our brigade is now a culturally safe space which is welcoming to all members from various cultural backgrounds.”
CFA is proud to recognise its Indigenous members and all its volunteers who have worked in their communities to promote Indigenous cultural awareness.