Warrnambool will host the Senior and Junior Rural State Championships over two days this coming weekend.
This is the first year Warrnambool has hosted the event, with an estimated 2,000 people expected to flock to the Great Ocean Road town to watch and compete.
This year, the Rural Championships will see 60 senior teams from 29 brigades and 60 junior teams from 30 brigades compete against one another.
This tough rural event differs from the Urban Championships, as teams must compete on turf not bitumen, adding another layer of complexity.
CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington will lead a senior team, called the ‘Chief’s Chargers’, in the Drawing Water from Tank competition on Sunday afternoon. The team of four will include CFA’s new Deputy Chief Officer Stephanie Rotarangi.
Chief Officer Warrington said the Championships are a great opportunity for brigades to demonstrate their abilities, as well as forming bonds with other brigades from across the state.
“The Champs really allow our CFA volunteers to demonstrate their enthusiasm and dedications to the organisation,” Chief Officer Warrington said.
“It’s a good chance for teams to hone their rural firefighting abilities as well as promote the core CFA values of teamwork, health, wellbeing and service.”
The formalities will kick off on Saturday at 8.30am and competition will run both Saturday and Sunday.
WHAT: Senior and Junior Rural State Championships
WHERE: Warrnambool Showgrounds (Greyhound Racing Victoria) Koroit St, Warrnambool
WHEN: Saturday 7 April 2018 at 8.30am to Sunday 8 April