Foreword
It is with great pleasure that we present the MFB’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The MFB is the first fire service in Australia to formalise such a plan to assist our contribution to the national goal of Reconciliation.
The MFB and its fire stations are located on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation which comprises the Woiworung, Boonerwrung, Taungurong, Djajawurrung and Wathaurung peoples.
The land of the area now known as Melbourne has always been an important meeting place and location for events of social, economic, educational, sporting and cultural significance for local Aboriginal people.
There are over 13,000 Aboriginal people living in the Metropolitan Fire District, with a high concentration in the northern zone. The MFB has been working with the Aboriginal community for a long while and recognises that the successful implementation of the MFB Reconciliation Action Plan is based on the following concepts:
Community building: where improved social, economic and environmental outcomes are achieved when mainstream and Aboriginal service providers work closely with members of Aboriginal communities in the MFD area;
Community development: where work undertaken is underpinned by commitment to equity, social justice and participation whereby Aboriginal people are supported to identify and address common concerns; and
Empowerment: where processes implemented allow Aboriginal people to gain control over their own lives while continuing to participate in the life of their community.
The development of the MFB’s Reconciliation Action Plan also has regard to State and Commonwealth equal opportunity and antidiscrimination legislation, including the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.
As well, the MFB’s own Diversity Development Framework has guided its development. On behalf of the MFB, we thank Karen Milward, the project consultant who worked with us to develop the RAP.
We also thank the many people and organisations who took part in the consultations:
MFB staff who participated in interviews and in focus group sessions held on Employment, Recruitment, Retention and Training, Communications, Community Safety, Facilities and Protocols
Members of the Aboriginal community and representatives from Aboriginal organisations who were able to participate:
- Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
- Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
- Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place
- Western Suburbs Indigenous Gathering Place
- Eastern Metropolitan Family Violence Healing Service
- Kaala Koori Association - Hasting
- Elizabeth Hoffman Hous
- Dandenong and District Aborigines Cooperative Lt
- Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agenc
- Stolen Generations Victoria and;
- Koorie Heritage Trust Inc.
Other stakeholders: the Department of Justice Indigenous Issues Unit, Reconciliation Victoria and the City of Melbourne Indigenous Issues Unit
Formalising the RAP is an important milestone in the history of the MFB. We look forward to working together with Melbourne’s Aboriginal communities, service providers and stakeholders to ensure the commitments made in the RAP become a reality. Our progress on implementing the RAP will be reported in the MFB’s annual report.
Ken Latta - Chief Executive and Chief Officer
Adrian Nye - President