Future fireys battle for national title

Eighteen of the state’s top junior CFA members have been chosen to battle it out at the national fire championships later this month.

The group of competitors was whittled down from a field of more than 100 junior fire brigade members across Victoria after applications closed in early August.

The Australian National Fire Cadet Championships is a biennial event open to junior members of all emergency service agencies across Australia.

This year CFA will chaperone three teams of six members, aged 14 and 15 years old, to compete in the championships at Myuna Bay in New South Wales from 28 September to 1 October.

Acting Executive Director of Operational Training and Volunteerism Kate Harrap said competitors were carefully selected from each of CFA’s five regions.

“Our junior representatives were chosen based on merit and had the backing of their junior leader, brigade captain or officer in charge, and supported by their District Operations Manager,” Ms Harrap said.

“The championships give participants the opportunity to further develop their practical, social and leadership skills, and are an important way to recognise the contribution and commitment of CFA youth members.

“These teams will compete in eight events including a portable pump relay, hose and hydrant drill, station response and knapsack drill, and tank and ladder challenge.”

The official competition will take place over two days with an opening ceremony, awards presentation and closing ceremony on the days either side.

Ms Harrap said the event also helps promote the importance of cadet firefighters and youth volunteers to the wider community.

“CFA is one of the world’s largest volunteer-based emergency services organisations, and our young members are vital for our future,” she said.

“It’s hoped the championships will inspire others to join the juniors program.”

CFA has more than 180 junior brigades across the state with a total of 2,181 members aged between 11 and 15 years. More than one-third of CFA’s junior membership base is female.

This year’s event is being co-hosted by NSW RFS and the RFSA, which are providing accommodation and meals for each competitor.

Junior members attending the National Fire Cadet Championships:

Team leaders/coaches:

Author: CFA Media