From sketch to screen, this project brings Country into motion transforming First Nations storytelling into a permanent, living presence within Fire Rescue Victoria.
Lion Co RAP Launch: Partnership, Culture and Connection in Action
Dreamtime Art Creative Consultancy (DACC) was proud to attend the Lion Co RAP launch on the 11th June, 2026, marking a significant milestone in a partnership grounded in cultural respect, collaboration and shared purpose. The event brought together a strong cross-section of Lion’s leadership, partners and community voices, reflecting an organisation that is genuinely engaging with culture in a meaningful and visible way.
A key moment of the event was the official artwork handover and presentation by Matt Everitt, Taungurung artist and Managing Director of DACC. The artwork, developed as part of Lion’s First Nations Art Brand Project, reflects themes of connection, shared journeys and gathering places symbolising how organisations, communities and individuals come together to learn from one another and move forward collectively.
The presentation built on months of collaboration with Lion’s team, including Mary-Sinead McMullen, Angela McCarthy and Todd Phillips, whose leadership and commitment have been instrumental in bringing the project to life. Vanessa Loch also played an important role in supporting the broader delivery and engagement across the business.
The launch itself saw a strong turnout, including the members of the Indigenous Advisory Council and respected cultural leaders, Uncle Boe Rambaldini, Uncle Phil Duncan and Toni Janke. Their presence reinforced the importance of accountability, cultural authority and ongoing dialogue in projects of this nature. It was a powerful reminder that meaningful engagement is built on relationships, not transactions. In addition, we were graced to listen to Toni Janke’s beautiful set of original music and song which set the tone for the launch building on a sense of belonging.
What stood out most was the diversity and energy of Lion’s workforce. The event reflected an organisation that not only values First Nations culture but embraces a broader appreciation of cultural diversity across its people. This was evident in the way staff engaged with the artwork, the conversations taking place across the room and the genuine interest in understanding the story behind the work, underpinned by Indigenous knowing.
Following the launch, DACC also attended the Lion Supplier Awards Event as guests. It was a strong continuation of the evening, showcasing the depth of Lion’s supplier partnerships and recognising excellence across their network. The awards themselves were particularly impressive, with standout feedback around the quality of presentation and the visualisation of the awards demonstrating a clear investment in both experience and design.
The relationships Lion has with its First nations supply chain is evident. It was great to see this reaffirmed by the winner of the diversity award, First nations business Dundee Rock.
For DACC, the Lion RAP launch represents more than a single event. It reflects what is possible when organisations commit to embedding culture in a way that is authentic, well-governed and visible across their brand and operations. From early-stage strategy through to creative delivery and public launch, this project demonstrates the value of working in partnership with artists, cultural advisors and internal champions who are committed to doing the work properly.
We thank Lion for the opportunity to contribute to this important milestone and acknowledge all those who played a role in bringing it together. It is partnerships like these that continue to shift mindsets, strengthen cultural understanding and create lasting impact. We look forward to the continued work that DACC has done with Lion since 2021.
A Launch That Reflected the Work
The launch itself carried the same weight as the project. There was a clear sense that this wasn’t just about unveiling an artwork, it was about recognising a shared commitment.
The presence of both Victorian and New South Wales First Nations firefighters reinforced this. It spoke to a broader community of practice, a network of people who carry both cultural identity and public service responsibility. It was great to reconnect with brotherboi Brett Goodes. It grounded the moment in lived experience.
And it reflected the very purpose of the work, to ensure that First Nations culture is not only acknowledged, but embedded within the institutions that serve our communities.
From Integration to Legacy
What stands now at the FRV Academy is not a finished product. It is a foundation and the commencement of journey.
The animation, the digital integration, and the broader system of cultural expression represent the beginning of something ongoing. As noted in post-launch conversations, there is already momentum toward future initiatives, acknowledgement plaques, additional site integrations, and further cultural work across the organisation. This is how legacy is built.
Not through a single deliverable, but through a continued relationship.
Why This Matters
At DACC, we often talk about moving from intention to impact. This project is a clear example of that shift. Fire Rescue Victoria has demonstrated a willingness to embrace First Nations culture not just in strategy or statements, but in lived, visible, everyday ways within the workplace and the communities they serve. That willingness matters. It sets a standard. And it creates a pathway for others to follow.
I’ve always believed that the most important projects are the ones where you hold your line. Where you don’t rush. Where you respect the process. Where you build something that will still make sense years from now. This was one of those projects.
And standing there at the launch, seeing it realised, it was clear: This wasn’t just an integration. It was a commitment made visible.
