Inclusive and Accessible Services
Stratergy 5 - External Communication
OBJECTIVE
To make MFB’s programs, services and recruitment efforts widely known to Aboriginal communities.
- Broadly distribute to Aboriginal organisations, existing networks and government agencies concerned with Aboriginal affairs, MFB publications and educational material.
- Document and promote the Aboriginal activities, events and engagement processes undertaken by the MFB Community Education Department through existing external Aboriginal networks and forums in the Aboriginal community in the MFD.
- Consider using Aboriginal imagery, symbols and artwork with the approval of the relevant Aboriginal networks when promoting its commitment to the Aboriginal community through various mediums
- Develop an Aboriginal Contact Register of Aboriginal respected persons and experts that are representative of Aboriginal organisations, service providers, community leaders and groups and existing Aboriginal networks to draw on for consultative purposes and advice as required by the MFB.
Stratergy 6 - Community Engagement and Services
OBJECTIVE
To improve Aboriginal communities’ access to MFB’s programs, services and employment opportunities
- Invite Aboriginal Elders and / or respected persons of the Kulin Nation to do formal Welcomes to Country and participate at:
- Graduation Ceremonies and formal recognition events of MFB Firefighters and other MFB Officer ranks
- Other formal events and official occasions
- Encourage MFB staff to actively participate in Aboriginal community events, forums and activities to engender more proactive approaches to engaging with members of the Aboriginal community
- Actively promote among Aboriginal communities an awareness of MFB services such as fire safety education and prevention, and fire fighting as a career
- Promote MFB programs and services to Aboriginal units within Victorian Government departments and agencies
- Actively engage with Aboriginal representatives to discuss Aboriginal issues, employment and training and public image and events when required.
Stratergy 7 - Physical Environment
OBJECTIVE
To make MFB’s internal and external environments welcoming of Aboriginal communities.
Work towards making fire stations and other locations more culturally inclusive by having a welcoming environment that reduces the perceived barriers and encourages the active participation of Aboriginal people in MFB programs and services.
Ideas may include but are not restricted to:
- Aboriginal welcome to country - appropriate signage in the form of a recognition poster, plaque of the traditional owners/custodians to the land located at MFB sites.
- Aboriginal themes, specific paintings and other art forms, artefacts and appropriate Aboriginal posters to be displayed at MFB sites.
- Commissioning Aboriginal artists to design Aboriginal specific and culturally appropriate resource material and information where appropriate.