The tanker adorned with the artwork was unveiled last week. Photos: Supplied.
A Hanwood Rural Fire Brigade volunteer has turned one of the brigade’s firefighting tankers into a moving tribute to the community, using Aboriginal artwork to tell the story of local brigades, Country and the people they protect.
Wiradjuri woman and long-serving brigade member Natalie Smith created the artwork, Walumali Ngurambang — Protecting Community, which was officially unveiled this week at the Hanwood Rural Fire Brigade station.
Ms Smith said the artwork reflected the Griffith community, the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) District and the surrounding towns and villages.
“Within the artwork, the central meeting place represents our community, while the surrounding meeting places represent the brigades that help protect it. The rivers symbolise the connections that bring us together,” Ms Smith said.
“It also acknowledges the strength of our ancestors and the importance of building understanding through shared service.”
The artwork now features across the locker compartments of the brigade’s Category 1 tanker, meaning it will be seen throughout the district as it responds to emergency incidents, attends community events and supports other emergency services.
Natalie Smith is a valued member of the RFS.
Hanwood Rural Fire Brigade said it was proud of its commitment to building relationships with the Indigenous community.
“We as a brigade are proud of our commitment to engaging with the Indigenous community to build relationships and work together for the common goal of a strong and protected community,” the brigade said.
MIA District Manager Superintendent Scott Connor said the project recognised the valuable contribution Aboriginal members made to the NSW Rural Fire Service.
“It is especially meaningful that this artwork was created by one of our own volunteers,” Superintendent Connor said.
“An RFS member for more than a decade, Natalie has captured the spirit of the MIA District in a design the brigade and local community can be proud of.
“Wherever this tanker responds, it will showcase local Aboriginal culture while reflecting the enduring relationship between the brigade and the area it looks after.”
The RFS crew and guests gathered for the artwork’s unveiling.
Hanwood Rural Fire Brigade has 27 volunteer members and is one of 68 brigades across the MIA District.
The artwork forms part of a broader RFS effort to strengthen cultural understanding and inclusion across the organisation.
The brigade thanked those who attended the unveiling and said it looked forward to continuing to support the community. The unit is always looking for new volunteers and invites anyone interested to get in touch through its Facebook page.
