Red and blue lights won't be the only thing that stands out when Glen Innes Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) attends its next incident, with the unit's new firefighting pumper painted with a local Aboriginal artwork, depicting the region's rich cultural heritage.
Last week Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall joined firefighters at the Glen Innes Fire Station, to officially hand over the keys to the $530,000 new appliance.
"Not only will this pumper improve the capacity of Glen Innes firefighters to deal with fires, road accidents, chemical spills and other emergencies, but it will also help to strengthen bonds with the local Aboriginal community," Mr Marshall said.
"The new appliance has a pump that supplies up to 3,000 litres of water a minute for firefighting operations and a Compressed Air Foam (CAFs) system to fight chemical, petrol and bushfires.
"Since the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20 Glen Innes has continued to see its fair share of emergencies and I trust that this new appliance will not only make the jobs of the station's 18 retained firefighters easier, but will also make the community safer.
"It's vital we provide our firefighters with the best equipment and technology available to support their vital work - protecting life and property."
Mr Marshall said the inclusion of Aboriginal artworks on new tankers in the FRNSW New England North West zone was a credit to the service.
"I want to recognise Glen Innes Aboriginal artist and educator Adele Chapman-Burgess for the significant work she has created for this pumper," he said.
"The artwork blends Glen Innes' famous standing stones with the diverse colours of the rolling landscape.
"To have this new appliance include such a significant artwork shows the commitment of FRNSW to building long-lasting and meaningful relationships with the local Aboriginal community."
