Aboriginal firefighters blaze their way through TAFE course

Callan Morse Published September 12, 2025 at 12.40pm (AWST)

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Nineteen Aboriginal future firefighters have graduated from TAFE NSW's Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy program. (Image: supplied)

Nineteen Aboriginal future firefighters gathered at at TAFE NSW Meadowbank on Friday to celebrate completing the Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy (IFARES) program.

Delivered by TAFE NSW and Fire and Rescue NSW, the initiative supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people pursuing careers in firefighting.

This year's cohort includes students from across New South Wales including Western Sydney, the South Coast, Central Coast, Hunter, Far West/Orana, and the North Coast.

Over seven months, IFARES participants completed a nationally recognised Certificate III in Fitness at TAFE NSW Meadowbank, delivered in a culturally safe and supportive learning environment.

Alongside this formal training, participants also took part in simulated emergency response scenarios, career readiness workshops, and immersive activities that reflected the responsibilities and routines of professional firefighters.

Each student was paired with a Fire and Rescue NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mentor, who provides guidance and support throughout the program.

Over seven months, IFARES participants completed a nationally recognised Certificate III in Fitness at TAFE NSW Meadowbank, delivered in a culturally safe and supportive learning environment. (Image: supplied)

TAFE NSW Managing Director, Chloe Read said TAFE NSW is proud to continue making a "meaningful contribution" to the Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy initiative.

"So far we've supported 80 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people from across NSW to complete their qualification and begin rewarding careers as firefighters," Ms Read said.

"The program provides career-focused, practical training for the students, as well as additional support and mentoring from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander emergency services officers already on the job."

"It's a terrific example of what can be achieved through genuine partnership between agencies that are working towards Closing the Gap outcomes for further education and employment."

Cultural safety is central to the success of IFARES, which is designed by Aboriginal staff from Fire and Rescue NSW and delivered in partnership with Aboriginal educators and mentors.

It recognises the importance of connection to culture, community, and identity in creating strong learning outcomes and supporting long-term employment.

*The course saw each student paired with a Fire and Rescue NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mentor, who provides guidance and support throughout the program. (Image: supplied)*

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell said the IFARES program is helping build a stronger and more inclusive fire service.

"Fire and Rescue NSW is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve, and IFARES is an important part of that commitment," Commissioner Fewtrell said.

"This program provides participants with the skills, confidence and cultural support they need to thrive as firefighters. We are proud to stand alongside this cohort as they take the next step towards a rewarding career protecting their communities."

IFARES is delivered fee-free and is supported through funding from Fire and Rescue NSW, TAFE NSW, the NSW Department of Education's Smart and Skilled program, and Services Australia's Away from Base initiative.

Applications for the next IFARES program open on 26 September 2025, with more information available online.