Since the course began in 2014, more than eighty Indigenous graduates have gone on to becomes firefighters in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
The Indigenous participants come from a variety of backgrounds, and are spurred on by a variety of motivations. 19 young people from across New South Wales graduated from the program this year.
Called the Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy, or IFARES, the pathway program is designed by Aboriginal staff from New South Wales Fire and Rescue... and has a strong focus on culturally safe and supportive learning.
The program pairs students with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander mentor. Serving the community through connection to culture, and identity.
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