Brewarrina is getting behind a local they are proud to claim their own as local firefighter Christopher “Burra” McHughes readies himself for tonight’s Sydney ceremony where he has been nominated for 2023 NSW Young Australian of the Year. 

Nominated alongside three Sydney-siders for the same award, Burra is a proud Murriwarri Ngemba Yuwaalaraay man who has combined his knowledge of culture and Country with his role with Fire and Rescue NSW. 

During his firefighting career, Burra has led teams fighting remote fires, protecting sacred sites and imparting local knowledge in traditional management. 

Former teacher Ellen Osahar said she was delighted to see his desire to give back to his people getting the recognition it deserves. 

“Although the description simply says ‘Fireman’, Christopher was already a role model in his community when I first taught him at 14 years old,” Ms Osahor said.

Burra is a respected role model in the Brewarrina community. (Supplied)

At 25 years old, Burra became a founding member of the first Indigenous State Mitigation crew in the RFS in Brewarrina and Bourke in 2020, which works to care for kin and country affected by bushfire.

He also helped deliver food during Covid-19 and assisted the Wilcannia community during lockdown. 

FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said Burra is an inspiration to everyone and it’s no surprise he is being recognised on the national stage. 

“Burra tirelessly shares his insights as a First Nations person, both to improve emergency services outcomes and support our rural and regional communities,” said Commissioner Baxter. 

Bura said that being nominated for the prestigious award has been a proud moment for him. 

“To be a young Aboriginal man from western NSW and be a finalist for this award, it’s very special to me and other people in my local community,” Burra said. 

“Hopefully it’s inspiration for more Indigenous firefighters and land managers, so we can all better care for Country and protect our natural environments,” he said.

Burra's career has allowed him a productive way of protecting Country. (Supplied)

Burra’s efforts have also helped improve trust in emergency services. 

“When our firefighters engage with locals, and people see FRNSW present in their community, they’re reassured that everything is okay and we’re ready to help,” Burra said. 

Recognising that local children look up to him, Burra says that it’s been an encouragement to always try a challenge and ensure he has a strong work ethic. 

He hopes to show young people in different communities that they can be Aboriginal and in the mainstream, setting up programs to help them succeed.

Burra now works as a First Nations Bushfire Safety Officer in Queensland, although Brewarrina remains proud to call him their own. 

The NSW Australian of the Year Awards will be held tonight in a ceremony at Sydney's Luna Park. The winners will vie for the national awards in Canberra on January 25. 

You can tune in to watch Burra and the other worthy nominees on ABC iView at 6pm.