FIRE Carrier Program and the Opening the Doors Foundation
Many schools in the Ballarat Diocese may have attended information sessions about the FIRE Carrier Program in the past and have started to complete some of the actions of a FIRE Carrier School. It is great to hear that so many of you are working towards making their school a more culturally responsive school. Now is a great time to join the FIRE Carrier Program and get started on planning how the FIRE Carriers will look like at your school. This includes selecting your student leaders and staff and get started on your School Covenant so you will be ready to be commissioned as a school in 2027.
I think we are a FIRE Carrier School but I am not sure?
To be a FIRE Carrier School there are a number of things that you need to have done as a school. These include:
- Principal has signed an Expression of Commitment to the Opening the Doors Foundation and DOBCEL
The program is a partnership between the Opening the Doors Foundation (OTDF), DOBCEL and the DOBCEL Education Officers: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education.
- School has paid the joining fee of $400 for the FIRE Carrier Program from the Opening the Doors Foundation
This covers the onboarding process with the OTDF, access to resources for becoming a FIRE Carrier School including starting your School Covenant and consultation with drafts, Commissioning Ceremony, Badges for Commissioned FIRE Carriers, Glass Flame and Commissioning Certificate.
- School has paid the annual levy of $400 a year for Secondary Schools and $200 a year for Primary Schools
This covers the resources in the FIRE Carrier Dropbox, Professional Learning as Popup PLs and access to recordings, badges and other materials, Around the Campfire Newsletter, review of your Covenant and other advice to assist in the embedding of the FIRE Carrier Program.
- School has been part of the FIRE Carrier Program Commissioning Ceremony
This is a special FIRE Ceremony that is completed by Aunty Vicki, Aunty Sherry or the DOBCEL Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Officer. Student and staff FIRE Carriers are presented with their badges on the day. These FIRE Carriers are given the responsibility of passing on the FIRE to the new FIRE Carriers and work on the school Covenant that is reviewed each year. This is also the time when the school receives their glass flame and certificate to commemorate the day. This is to be displayed in an important place in the school so that they can show visitors of their commitment to the FIRE Carrier Program and to furthering Reconciliation.
Not yet. After attending an information session, you may have started working on your school covenant and including actions for reconciliation in your school. If you are doing this already that means that you are on your way to being a FIRE Carrier School. Congratulations on getting some of the hard work done. This will make it much easier in the future as you have already been thinking about reconciliation at your school.
If you are ready to join the program formally or would like to know more you can find resources in our Dropbox. New FIRE Carrier School Information Your Principal needs to sign the Expression of Commitment and send it to Lisa Moloney (FIRE Carrier Program Coordinator) firecarrier@openingthedoors.org.au and to Helen Christensen HChristensen@dobcel.catholic.edu.au DOBCEL Education Officer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education)
FIRE stands for Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education
The FIRE Carrier Program is a way that schools can show their outward commitment to authentic reconciliation under the lead of the Commissioned Staff and Student FIRE Carriers. The FIRE Carrier Program provides a framework for addressing School Compliance including Child Safe Standards and the VCEA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan and the Marrung 2026-2036 Strategy. It is a great opportunity for student leadership, voice and action for social justice. The school commits to supporting self-determination in education for First Nations students by supporting the Opening the Doors Foundation every year.
Each school creates a School Covenant that emphasises the ethos and faith belief of Catholic schools and the social justice responses they are committed to make as part of their Catholic identity. The school covenant focuses on the three core values of Spirituality; Cultural Recognition and Awareness; and Practical Recognition and Justice. Schools commit to actions that meet each of these values. This is a living document that is referred to throughout the year and has the input from the school community including staff and students. First Nations students and families are also invited to contribute if they would like to part of the program.
For more information visit our FIRE Carrier Program Dropbox New FIRE Carrier School Information to access the Information booklet, PowerPoint presentation, Fee Structure and Expression of Commitment and other information about the program. You can also visit our FIRE Carrier Program New School Information on our Google Drive.
We look forward to your school becoming a FIRE Carrier School in the future!
For more information about the FIRE Carrier Program email firecarrier@openingthedoors.org.au
Financial grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Opening the Doors Foundation (OTDF) provides grants to help families meet the costs of schooling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students attending Catholic or independent primary and secondary schools.
Grants may assist with school uniforms, books and stationery, essential ICT equipment, VET and vocational learning costs, school levies, camps and excursions. Please note that annual school fees, building levies, travel costs and activities outside of school are not eligible for funding.
When is the 2027 round open
The 2027 Grant Round is now open and closes on 25 March 2027. Late applications will not be accepted. A link will be provided on the webpage and instructions on how to apply from the open date. Families are encouraged to apply early or before the start of Term 1 to help students begin the 2027 school year with the items they need.
Important update for 2027
Due to increased demand, the Foundation’s Trustee will prioritise students with the greatest financial need. The updated criteria and guidelines are outlined on the website Opening the Doors Foundation
Secondary School Levy Funding – Years 7–12
For students in Years 7–12, school levies (NOT school fees) may be considered for funding, subject to Trustee discretion (visit website). Further information and support contact the Foundation (details listed below), or Helen Christensen (0467 415 768) or email hchristensen@dobcel.catholic.edu.au for further information.
Pertinent information:
Website and guidelines: Opening the Doors Foundation
Apply online: APPLY NOW