More than 140 teams have set their sights on the 2016 Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria State Rural Fire Brigade Championships in Colac next week.
A total of 76 senior and 66 junior teams from rural brigades around the state will compete in a variety of events involving basic rural firefighting equipment such as tanks, pumps, hoses and ladders.
This year’s event on Saturday, 2 April marks the 60th annual senior and 38th junior rural championships and organisers are anticipating 1000 competitors to attend with family, friends and members of the community.
CFA Chief Executive Officer Lucinda Nolan and Chief Officer Joe Buffone will attend to cheer on CFA volunteers from far and wide.
Mr Buffone said it was events such as this that showed the dedication and enthusiasm of CFA members.
He said the junior championships were a vehicle to encourage young people to be a part of CFA and maintain their involvement into the senior ranks of brigades.
“The interest of the younger members in particular helps CFA to maintain its vitality and commitment to meeting the changing needs of the community,” he said.
“The championships aims to build team spirit, develop individual and team skills and promote camaraderie among brigades, volunteers and families.”
Mr Buffone said teams would compete in a variety of activities.
“All events involve the use of basic rural firefighting equipment. There will be a mock-up of the rear of a tanker complete with water tank and motorised pump, provided for all tanker events,” he said.
“These mock-ups, built to a standard design, have been constructed to overcome difficulties including those likely to arise from driving heavy tankers onto sporting ovals.”
The championships are organised by CFA District 6 Championship State Championship Committee under the auspice of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria.
The committee includes members from local brigades and is chaired by Graham Benallack. Committee members have contributed significant time and effort to the championships, over and above their commitment to their brigades and employers.
Author: CFA Media