An informal group of firefighters who took part in charity runs has now become a broader adventure club: from rock climbing and kayaking to mountain biking and snow sports, they’re all on the schedule.
Station Officer James Wong is one of the key members always looking for the next adventure.
“We’re a central point for any outdoor activities, sending out a group email to find out who’s available,” says James. “We’re on the water in Warrandyte and go climbing at Werribee Gorge or the You Yangs. A snow sports group is just cranking up now and we want to get the number of members up which would mean we could look into package deals.”
The Running and Adventure Club is affiliated with CFA Sports and Recreation Association (CFASRA) which entitles the club and its members to apply for grants. CFASRA also has its own cache of equipment which clubs can borrow: currently that means banners, bibs and shade tents but they plan to buy a trailer with a barbecue, eskies and chairs.
James is just one of the passionate members – both career and volunteer – on the CFASRA committee.
“We’re just happy to see people involved in clubs and being active with other members,” says James. “It supports the integrated model, bringing together like-minded people. Part of the CFA message is fitness, team bonding and meeting new people and the clubs do all that.”
And more. They also have ambitions to help interested members fire up their competitive spirit.
James throws out some suggestions. “Getting different districts playing basketball against each other? East coast versus west coast surfers? A CFA Winter Games? We’ve already run Murray Marathon teams and supported mountain bike and road races as well as the World Police and Firefighter Games and the Australian Police and Emergency Services Games.”
Interested volunteers, staff and retired members from across Victoria are welcome to contact the CFA Sports and Recreation Association (CFASRA) for information about clubs, as well as any plans to apply for grants.
CFASRA can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Whether it’s golf, fishing, four-wheel-drive adventures, caravanning, horse riding, surfing or basketball you’re interested in, the welcome mat is out.
The photos attached give just a small indication of how adventurous club members are:
Alpine climbing in NZ – some firefighters travelled to New Zealand to climb some peaks. The photo was taken on Mt Rolleston in Arthurs Pass
Backcountry snowsports in Vic – Snowsports members frequently ski in the backcountry. The photo was taken off the Razorback at Mt Hotham
Hiking in Tasmania – some firefighters completed an extended hiking trip on the Southcoast Track
Hiking in Victoria – a group of firefighters completed an extended hiking trip. The photo looks over the Mitchell River
Ice climbing in Victoria – this photo was taken on Mt Loch near Mt Hotham
Rock climbing in Victoria – groups of firefighters frequently visit different rock-climbing sites. This photo was taken at Camels Hump near Mt Macedon
Skiing trips – Snowsports members regularly go on both day trips and extended stays in the ski resorts. This photo shows Dandenong firefighters at the summit of Mt Buller
Urban climbing around Melb – firefighters tackling a wall in Burnley
Author: Leith Hillard