00:00In Sydney's busy fire station, Indigenous potential firefighters are suiting up and
00:09being put to the test.
00:10I think that if you train hard enough and you're mentally ready for it, that you can
00:16push yourself to achieve anything, so we'll see how I go.
00:20They're being assessed for their teamwork and strength to see if they'll be given a
00:23spot in the IFairs program.
00:26Out of more than 100 applicants, it's down to 40 people and from those, around 20 will
00:31be accepted.
00:32We like hands on, we like to engage and we like to talk to each other and truth telling
00:37and story telling is our biggest thing.
00:39The Job Readiness program is designed to boost the number of First Nations people in the sector.
00:44Over 10 years, more than 80 people have become full time firefighters through this path.
00:49And they come from across New South Wales to see if they have what it takes.
00:53The six month program is all about upskilling potential recruits in a culturally safe way.
00:58At the end, they'll get a TAFE certificate.
01:00And if they pass the interview stage, the fitness test, the medical checks and the group assessments,
01:06they'll be given a chance to become a full time firefighter.
01:09Good morning to you all.
01:10In 2025, 11 IFairs graduates were successful in the cutthroat general pool to become a New South Wales firefighter.
01:18Michael Bolt is one of them.
01:20I'm so ready for it, ready to learn all the skills to be the best firefighter I can be.
01:24But he was faced with heartbreak when his brother Roy passed just before the IFairs training began.
01:29I had to channel his energy and a bit of his strength and I used his guidance, you know, to get me through it.
01:38Back at the City of Sydney station, this group is just beginning their journey,
01:42hopeful to represent their mob and be there for them when the worst hits.
01:47You can only be what you can see.
01:48And I think, you know, having Aboriginal role models in community,
01:51it's going to be able to push, inspire and hopefully other people will pursue their dreams as well.
01:59It's coming.
02:01And then, I ready to take a home.
02:04I've been watching this day.
02:06You know, if you've chosen one day, you should be pleased.
02:09And the music is that you have a chance to find a good place.
02:12You're not going to see.
02:15I'm going to see.
02:16I'm going to be able to get you, guys.
02:18I'm doing this with a good spot.
02:21I'm going to be able to have you're going to get started.
02:23I'm going to see.
02:25I'm going to see.
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