Brigades from across Victoria return for hot competition

The CFA’s junior running teams from across Victoria will showcase their skills at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve this weekend during the Urban Junior State Championships.

The following weekend, beginning on Saturday, March 29, will see the Senior Urban, Senior Rural and Junior Rural events take place.

Brigades will compete against each other in events based on practical firefighting activities, with a focus on physical fitness, teamwork and equipment skills.

“The championships are always one of my favourite events in the calendar,” CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said.

“They are a great display of the skills, dedication and enthusiasm of our members in a fun environment.

“It’s always a great place to see the camaraderie among our brigades, their families and the broader community.”

Mr Heffernan said the championships were an important tradition for CFA and VFBV members and regional communities.

According to the CFA, the Firefighter State Championships have been held annually since 1874, with the Rural State Championships developed in the 1950s to showcase the unique skills of rural brigades.

The only cancellations of the events occurred during World War I, World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alongside championship competitions, the upcoming event will also feature food and drink vans, firefighting equipment and training demonstrations, education about CFA programs and more.

Community members are welcome.

For more information, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/champs