Educational Partnerships Supporting Culturally Diverse Communities
This initiative demonstrates how educational organisations and environments are able to break down cultural barriers and deliver essential fire safety information to multicultural communities. Through a strategic partnership between Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), TAFE NSW - Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), and Navitas AMEP, the initiative integrates culturally relevant fire safety education into accessible learning environments.
The program operated across 18 different campuses in NSW, from Byron Bay, Cootamundra, Northern Beaches to Liverpool, Bankstown and Blacktown, including an online “train the trainer” session for AMEP teachers (Strathfield Campus). This broad reach has enabled the program to engage with approximately 4000 students, supported by 100 educators and 20 local fire stations. Sessions are guided by the FRNSW Multicultural Toolkit and the evidence-based CLEAR Model, emphasising Cultural Awareness, Lived Experience, Engagement, Accessibility and Relationships. These frameworks ensure the delivery of culturally inclusive and impactful fire safety education.
Classroom-style setups assist organisational logistics while providing flexibility for crews to adapt sessions to English proficiency levels, students are also in a comfortable and familiar setting. The use of props, turnout gear and other interactive materials ensures that all students can engage meaningfully with the content. By focusing on prevention and education, this initiative moves beyond brand awareness to deliver practical fire safety knowledge tailored to community needs especially within the curriculum of learning.
Continuous improvements, including streamlining the EOI and booking process, aim to strengthen the program's efficiency. Command Liaison Coordinators (Operational Firefighters) within the Community Risk Reduction unit play an essential role in supporting local stations and formalising long-term partnerships. Feedback mechanisms provide critical insights for refining the program and ensuring its sustainability.
This program exemplifies the power of educational partnerships and culturally responsive approaches, offering a scalable model for promoting fire safety awareness and fostering safer, more connected communities.
Please contact Fire and Rescue NSW Cultural Diversity Officer for more information – elijah.chan@fire.nsw.gov.au