The Canyonleigh Rural Fire Brigade has always been a bit `different’ in comparison to other brigades. Words such as `quirky, left-of-field, individual or even peculiar’ can be used for our local brigade, but the Canyonleigh Brigade is responsible for a number of original initiatives: Community Bush Fire Training, Women’s Bush Fire Events and proactive bush fire planning visits to unsuspecting locals! This tradition continues with the Brigade’s recent initiative to formally recognise Canyonleigh’s community, environment and First Nations links.

The NSW Rural Fire Service already involves itself with indigenous cultures and representation with a range of operational and communications activities. Our Brigade took it a step further to develop a vehicle that not only reflects the RFS’ values, but to make a more `Canyonleigh’ statement.

The Brigade’s Captain, Brett, wondered how to create a statement that combines community and environment with RFS values and Canyonleigh’s unique institutions and society. Add to this locale’s strong historical and cultural ties to the Gundungurra and Dharawal Aboriginal people.

The Brigade’s executive met to discuss and develop a brief for the commissioning of Brett’s idea of a unique piece of art focussing on these community aspects and how to best deliver the piece.

The Brigade liaised with the local indigenous representative (Aunty Sharon Halls) who highly recommended a local First Nations artist, Helen Abbott, who had an understanding of the area and had undertaken commissions from local entities.

Helen’s brief was `simple’: to create an artwork that reflects:

• The link/importance of the local environment
• Recognition of traditional owners
• The importance of the Brigade and the Canyonleigh community

That was late 2025 – to realise the project, private funding was required to bring the project to reality. We needed a patron!

We are pleased and proud to say that Warwick Parer from the Southern Highlands Addiction Rereat (SHAR), a Canyonleigh business, had no hesitation in funding the project.

Helen was able to execute the painting in a timeframe that suited all parties and an unveiling event was planned for Saturday 16 May at the Canyonleigh Fire Shed.

Guests that embody the community and environment were invited including the Canyonleigh Community Association, Hall Committee, SES/First Responders, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Bush Care, RFS, First Nations people and sponsoring organisation SHAR.

The event commenced with a very warm Welcome To Country from Aunty Sharon Halls who reiterated Canyonleigh’s close ties with First Nations people and their history in the area. Brett, then explained to the gathered guests the values the RFS and Brigade have developed and implemented, how the concept for the painting was developed and how the Brigade played its role as a member of the environment and community. Brett also recognised the very important contribution that our community and environmental organisations play that makes Canyonleigh a unique place.

He then handed over the unveiling duties to SHAR’s General Manager, Ben Moller. Before lifting the veil to reveal the artwork, Ben recognised the initiatives of the community and how SHAR also shares values similar the Brigade and community and sponsoring this particular project fell withing their community principles.

Ben then removed the veil (a RFS flag) to reveal a vibrant, colourful and hi-impact painting entitled “Seeds and Root Systems”, much to the acceptance and applause from the invited guests.

Now revealed, artist Helen Abbot to share with the guests her interpretation of the brief.

“This painting reflects ideas of community, interconnection and Country, grounded in the landscape of Gundungurra Country.” said Helen.

Helen explained that the colour palette draws from elements found within that environment: the deep purples of the Hardenbergia flower, the resilient native vine whose dense, interwoven root systems suggest strength through connection; the soft greys of gum trees and koalas; and the warm reds and oranges of ochre embedded in the land.  

“Through these elements, the artwork aims to evoke a sense of belonging and engagement with Country, highlighting the layered connections between landscape, story and community.” She added.

Following Helen’s presentation, RFS District Manager, Superintendent Daniel Osborne, congratulated the Brigade and the Canyonleigh community on such an impressive initiative.

” The NSW Rural Fire Service currently implements a range of initiatives to associate itself, its members and their communities with the traditions, beliefs and lifestyles of our First Nation’s people. The RFS has implemented `cool burning’ practices as demonstrated by aboriginal history, aboriginal-style emblems and motifs on RFS vehicles and a range of indigenous events.” said Daniel.

To celebrate the event, the Superintendent also announced the brigade’s new CAT 7 Fire Truck will soon feature First Nations artwork as a part of its livery.

Following formalities, guests enjoyed an opportunity to share light refreshments and an opportunity to mingle and discuss community and environmental issues.

As Seeds and Root Systems is very much a community asset, community members and guests will be able to view the artwork until the end of August at Audrey’s Café before it is permanently displayed at the Canyoneligh RFS Fire Shed