FIRE Carrier School

As a FIRE Carrier School, we acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the original custodians of the land upon which our school and parish are situated. 

We pay our respects to their elders past, present and future. 

Why I wanted to become a fire carrier.

By Eloise Bell 5/6A

When I first heard about the FIRE carrier program at OLHC many years ago I always hoped I would have the chance to be involved. A few weeks ago, I presented a speech to Mrs Cumming, other staff, as well as a few other students. I spoke about how Aboriginal culture has traditionally been passed down from generation to generation through art, dancing and storytelling, and now it’s in danger of being lost. We are all Australians, so their history is ours too. There is so much we don't know about the Aboriginal people, so I think it's time to listen and learn.

The R in FIRE carrier stands for Reconciliation, and this really appeals to me because I am sorry for how Aboriginal people have been treated in the past. Just because their skin colour and lifestyle was different to white people doesn't mean they are any less important than we are. I think everyone should be treated equally and with respect. It’s time to acknowledge how hurtful the actions of white people have been in the past and to make sure this doesn’t happen again. 

I look forward to working with all of the FIRE carriers to share all that we learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with our school community. And think of ways we can change things for the better and raise some money for the Opening the Doors Foundation-which supports the education of Aborignal and Torres Strait Islander people.

2021 FIRE Carrier Leaders

COMMISSIONING CEREMONY