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A championships runner encourages CFA brigades to get involved in a little healthy competition, as she prepares to compete at the State Firefighter Championships this weekend in Mooroopna.
Brooke Woodhart joined Mannerim Fire Brigade as a junior in 2011 at the age of 13. She then joined Portarlington Fire Brigade alongside her mum, dad and sister in 2014.
Brooke said she became a CFA volunteer because being able to give back to the community in a way that protects and educates is a really rewarding experience.
“Being involved in the juniors program showed me how important our work as volunteers is to the community and it showed me that I can do it too,” Brooke said.
Brooke started competing in the CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships with Mannerim brigade’s team in 2011. Despite moving to Portarlington Fire Brigade, she continued running with Mannerim at both regional and state Championships.
In 2016, Brooke decided to broaden her skills by becoming the regional Championships trackmaster for CFA’s District 7 in the south west of the state. This role involves overseeing the track on the day of competition.
“I need to make sure everyone is doing what they need to be doing, checking all the equipment is in place and that everyone is following the rules of the day. I basically make sure everything runs smoothly,” Brooke said.
“The role also involves a live fire demonstration and competition at Geelong Show every year which is exciting and amazing to be part of!”
Her dedication to the champs has extended more than a decade, and after a few years break from running to focus on her regional trackmaster role, she’s decided to put the running shoes back on this year to compete on a women’s team with Mannerim Fire Brigade.
“I’m nervous and excited to compete again! My legs were so sore after a training session but I’m happy to be back out there competing again,” she said.
Brooke says the Championships are a great way to keep up firefighting skills with events involving coupling and bowling hoses as the practise really helps on the fireground.
“The camaraderie, communication and the teamwork the champs builds with members is invaluable,” she said.
“You meet different brigades and the people that come to support their family members and friends is always warming to see.
“And a bit of healthy competition never hurt anyone!”
Brooke encourages CFA volunteers and brigades to consider getting involved.
“Just come out on a competition day to see what we do, there’s plenty to see and everyone is always happy to chat,” Brooke said.
“It’s a really friendly and fun environment with a bit of competition thrown in.”