First co-design Aboriginal named fire vehicle unveiled
The first fire-response vehicle to adopt an Aboriginal name has joined the Department for Environment and Water’s (DEW) fleet – now deployed on the Fleurieu Peninsula this fire season.
Kondoli, meaning ‘whale’ for the Ramindjeri People, is the name selected for a new Quick Response Vehicle (QRV), following a co-design process between DEW and the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation (NAC).
The vehicle’s name, pronounced kon-da-lee, reflects a regional Dreaming story while meeting Country Fire Service (CFS) operational safety standards.
Kondoli, the powerful whale man, was the holder of fire that was desired by others so that they could dance in nighttime ceremonies instead of the harsh, daytime heat. The name was chosen for its connection to fire and whales, which migrate to the Encounter Bay region near Victor Harbor – where the vehicle will be permanently stationed and tasked to respond to and help prevent fires.
Visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula will see Kondoli on patrol in national parks between Victor Harbor and Deep Creek.
The new QRV will be operated by DEW specialist firefighters and is a purpose-built Toyota 79 Series LandCruiser which can access harsh and rugged terrain.
There are 25 national parks in the Fleurieu district, including Deep Creek, Granite Island and Newland Head as well as several smaller conservation and recreation parks and trails that are managed as part of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The full story of Kondoli as told by Elders from the Ramindjeri Heritage Association can be viewed on the SA Whale Centre website.
As a corporate body, NAC acts as an agent for Ngarrindjeri People, whose nation encompasses Country from Murray Bridge to Cape Jervis, and south along the Coorong to Kingston and comprises 18 clans (lakinyerar) including Ramindjeri.
