Gisborne juniors championships team
More than 900 firefighters are ready and raring to compete in the 2025 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships over the next two weekends.
Returning to Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, CFA’s junior running teams from across the state will showcase their skills this weekend for the Urban Junior State Championships on 22 and 23 March.
Next weekend will see the Senior Urban, Senior Rural and Junior Rural events on 29 and 30 March.
Running for the second year in a row, is Gisborne Fire Brigades junior team. Following a twelve-year hiatus, Gisborne is back stronger than ever, under the watchful eye of former runner and coach for the brigade Bruce Harker.
Bruce is passionate about the sport and ran for almost 45 years. He has been guiding Asher, Nick, Zack and Lincoln who recently won the under 17 aggregates at Geelong.
“This is the first time in the brigade’s history we have had a junior running team,” Bruce said.
“I’m quite pleased how they’ve gone this year and there is a lot of pride for me in the success of the team.
“The brigade has been running since the sixties, and we were unbeatable for a while. It’s great to have a team back competing.”
Asher Kroon one of the team’s founding members loves the sport and how many opportunities it has given him.
“I think everyone should do it, I have learnt a lot of valuable skills, especially the teamwork aspect,” Asher said.
“I love all the long drives and places I get to see as part of competing.”
Asher is confident the team will do well but also wants to see more people put their hand-up to participate.
“We’ve done really well this year and I think we should do well at State Championships, we are all excited!” Asher said.
“We only have four people which is the minimum to compete. Even though it isn’t a sport you’d normally consider we would love more people to join.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the State Championships are an important tradition for CFA members and regional communities.
“The Championships are always one of my favourite events in the calendar. They are a great display of the skills, dedication and enthusiasm of our members in a fun environment,” Jason said.
“It’s always a great place to see the camaraderie among our brigades, their families and the broader community.
“I look forward to seeing our future fighters battle it out this weekend for a bit of healthy competition.”
Attendees can enjoy food and drink vans, firefighting equipment and training demonstrations, CFA programs and education hubs, award presentations and much more.
Events at the State Championships are based on practical firefighting activities, with a focus on physical fitness, teamwork and equipment skills using hoses, hydrants and other tools.
For more information and updates on the CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/champs.
Gisborne juniors champs team-
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