CFA’s junior members have been training hard in preparation to showcase their skills at the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Junior State Urban Fire Brigade Championships in Tatura on 25-26 February.
Approximately 800 juniors are set to compete in the annual championships, displaying a range of firefighting skills, including hosing a target and rolling hoses.
CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said the championships were an opportunity for members to compete, meet other CFA junior members and travel within Victoria.
“Throughout the weekend we will see 76 teams from 47 brigades around Victoria competing in these championships,” he said.
“This is a very important weekend for CFA juniors. These championships promote the important values of teamwork, health and wellbeing as well as simulating many of the practical tasks a firefighter must undertake.
“They are an important part of CFA’s volunteer culture and a great chance for juniors to make new friends.”
This event will attract approximately 2000 people to Tatura including family, friends and loved ones of the 800 competitors.
Event committee member and Tatura Fire Brigade 2nd Lieutenant Alan Tyson said competition is a key element of junior CFA member development and very important to the future of the CFA.
“This event is a way for juniors to develop the essential practical and leadership skills necessary to become an effective operational member in their brigades," said Alan.
“It also promotes an ethic of respect, teamwork and comradery, all being essential traits that can be used in their future contributions to CFA."
The Tatura Fire Brigade won the right to host the championships and have hosted many championships in the past, most recently last year in 2016.
The junior championships are for junior urban brigade members aged from 11 to 17. There are a total of 18 events and two age groups for events – under 14s and under 17s.
All events are based on practical firefighting activities. They build fitness, team skills and capabilities with hoses, hydrants and other equipment that make them a useful addition to each brigade’s regular training program.
Young Victorians from 11 years of age can join CFA as junior members through the Junior Volunteer Development Program.
Author: CFA Media