All suited up in their RFS safety garments, the kids at Vincentia high are ready to go.
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Aboriginal students from Vincentia and Narooma high schools are piloting a 13-week cultural program that will tap into local knowledge of Aboriginal burning practices.
The initiative was thought up by South Coast Police District (SCPD) Commander Greg Moore and is an extension of the PCYC 'rise up' program.
Upon completion of the one-day-a-week program, students will graduate with their white card as well as an RFS and first aid accreditation, not to mention a wealth of knowledge about traditional burning.
Nowra Police Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Viv Sweeny said it was extremely important Aboriginal students connect with their identity and culture.
"If they don't have that, they get a bit of a lost feeling," she said.
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Kicking off on Thursday April 29, The burn workshop will be done in Eden and will be run by the Firesticks Alliance which was started by Indigenous writer, filmmaker and musician Victor Steffensen.
The Firesticks Alliance uses the term 'cultural burning' to describe burning practices developed by Aboriginal people to enhance the health of the land and its people.
Aboriginal education officer at Vincentia High Gai Brown said the program is the first of its kind and an example of effective practical learning.
"Especially as blackfellas, we learn way better by doing than by watching," she said.
"These guys would be a little bit aware of traditional land management but to actually do it is an exciting thing."
She said the extracurricular activity would help them with school engagement, break down barriers with police and allow them to pass their knowledge down to the next generation.
By providing these students with an opportunity to gain qualifications, the local police district is seeking to support them in finding employment as well as help them give back to their communities, as many had experienced the Currowan bushfires firsthand.
The funding for the safety outfits came from the NSW Government and the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
SCPD were in talks with an indigenous officer from infrastructure firm Fulton Hogan, the company constructing Nowra bridge, about them sponsoring the rest of their clothing.