Bendigo will host the Senior Urban State Championships for the 31st time over the Labour Day weekend (March 10-12).
Held over 3 days, the Championships will see 50 teams of volunteer firefighters from across the state and the interstate come together and compete against one another.
Competition will begin Saturday at 8.30am followed by the Opening Ceremony at 9am hosted by local MP Maree Edwards. Teams will compete in a variety of events involving basic rural firefighting equipment such as tanks, pumps, hoses and ladders.
The event will bring 1000 competitors and 2000 support staff and families to the event, which has been hosted by Bendigo the past two years.
CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said events like this give CFA volunteers a chance to display their dedication and enthusiasm.
“The event is an amazing chance for our volunteers to really focus and hone in on their skills in a competitive environment, by putting brigade up against brigade, skills are enhanced as each brigade competes to win.”
“These championships while yes a competition, give our volunteers the chance to strengthen existing friendships and form new bonds with volunteers from across the state,” He said.
The Championship will also include the inaugural Charity Challenge to accompany a silent auction raising funds for Beyond Blue. While the last event on Monday will be the Blue Ribbon Champion 4’s with the raffling off of challenge shirts as well as donation tins collecting all weekend with funds raised going to Beyond Blue.
“It’s great to be out there competing but even better knowing our volunteers are doing it while raising funds for such a worthy cause, I wish them the best of luck,” CO Warrington said.
Also at the Championships will be trade displays, CFA Corporate displays, Community Education programs, Virtual Reality displays, vintage fire trucks, a range of food options and children's activities. Entry is free, so come along, support your local firies and Beyond Blue!
WHAT:135th VFBV Annual Urban Senior State Fire Brigade Championships
WHEN: March 10th - 12th 2018 8.30am - 5pm
WHERE: Weeroona Oval , Napier street, Bendigo