The ‘many cultures, one community’ project has resulted in volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds successfully complete training and become active members of the Hanwood Rural Fire Service (RFS).

Mohammad Karim Haqjo, an Afghani man, had been to five fires with the Hanwood brigade and found the experience rewarding.

“It makes me happy, makes me feel like I belong,” he said.

Fellow volunteer Raymond Uda from Papua New Guinea said joining the RFS was one of the best things he has done.

“I have experienced and learnt so much from working with the other volunteers, fighting fires and being a part of the team,” he said.

Red Cross project officer Sue Delves praised the efforts of the Hanwood RFS crew for their fantastic work with the new volunteers.

“Hanwood fire brigade has just been fantastic in mentoring these men,” Ms Delves said.

Ms Delves said the project was a great way to include culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Griffith society.

“It’s great to get the CALD community involved in volunteering, but we would still like to get even more involved,” she said.

“Our project will end in October and we really need people to ask when and how to get involved.

“Cultural groups who are interested are encouraged to contact the Red Cross or RFS for information sessions and how to become involved in the project.”

Ms Delves highlighted the critical importance of knowing what to do in an emergency and how involvement in projects like this was beneficial to migrants and refugees as an opportunity for them to learn crucial skills.

Next Monday, Griffith will celebrate Harmony Day and the cultural diversity that is the strength of our nation.

A Harmony Day morning tea will be held at 10.30am at Griffith City Library to celebrate.

To find out more about the volunteering project contact Sue Delves via email at smdelves@redcross.org.au