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Monday, 16 January 2017 12:25

FireWise - VFBV's January Column

In this Edition

- Editorial - Summer and Business as Usual

- Apply Now for Scholarships

- Coalition Moves to Change CFA Act

- Delegate Development course

- Digital Scanners at Cost Price

- Youth Network in 20 Districts

- Planned Burning as Training

- Chainsaw Training

- 2017 Championships

- Australasian Championships

- Cancer Law Reminder

- Donations Welcome

 

SUMMER AND BUSINESS AS USUAL

By Andrew Ford, VFBV Chief Executive Officer

I am hoping that everyone has found at least a few quiet moments to enjoy Christmas and managed to reflect, re-energise and prepare for 2017.  It has been a hot few weeks and certainly looks like some parts of the state will have a very busy summer.

As we go into a new year, it would be easy to think that over the past 12 months the CFA and emergency sector has been tied up with just a few major issues.

But while there have been major challenges at the statewide level and attention to CFA issues right up to the Federal level, your volunteer association that is VFBV has been quietly getting on with business as usual in the background.

Volunteer delegates on the VFBV/CFA Joint Committees, and any number of volunteers on working groups and at the District level, have been working on the equipment, training, projects and other issues that make up our everyday representation work for volunteers and Brigades.

As just a few examples of the association’s work over the past 12 months; VFBV has launched its VFBV Multi-Agency Youth Network, another class of VFBV Leadership participants has graduated, a VFBV-advocated partnership with CFA has delivered 10,000 subsidised digital scanners to Brigades and Groups, we have provided practical assistance to Brigades applying for VESEP grants, and we have launched two innovative short videos, the first explaining in simple terms how CFA’s great volunteer surge capacity works, and the second transforming CFA turnout data into a graphical depiction of how Brigades from all over the state contribute to CFA’s ability to deal with multiple major incidents at a time while still protecting every Brigade’s local community.

We have also contributed to the State Government’s Fire Services Review; worked with CFA, DELWP and EMV to increase volunteer participation in planned burning; given assistance and support to the VEOHRC Independent Equity and Diversity Review; provided submission and input to the Fiskville Inquiry; and we continue the work on yet to be resolved issues like presumptive legislation, the role of CFA Groups, chainsaw training, 40 kph speed limits near incidents, new BA acquisition and electrical safety mobile props.

It is very satisfying to note that volunteers have given their association’s work a very strong stamp of approval through the year, with record numbers of Brigades affiliating with VFBV, record numbers subscribing to the VFBV Welfare Fund, record numbers of volunteers taking part in the annual VFBV Volunteer Welfare & Efficiency Survey, and higher levels of activity across District Councils and on our social media sites.

And I’d like to add a final note appropriate to the season.  Summer is here, volunteers are busy in many parts of the state, and we all need to be mindful of safety and wellbeing; our own and that of our fellow members.  So stay safe, look after yourselves and keep an eye out for one another.

 

VFBV VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS - APPLY NOW FOR 2017

VFBV’s Volunteer Leadership Program scholarships will be available again in 2017 and we are now calling for Expressions of Interest from potential participants.

The two 2017 courses will be based in the Euroa (District 22) and Ararat (District 16) areas, they will run from late March to the end of the year, and successful participants will achieve the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Leadership & Management.  Both locations have been chosen based on an effort to rotate the courses across the State, and their location on major highways to make travel to and from those areas as easy as possible for members from neighbouring Districts.

The VFBV Volunteer Leadership Program has already produced over 250 graduates and many are in leadership positions with their agencies, volunteer representative organisations or local communities.  Graduates will graduate with a nationally recognised Cert IV in Leadership & Management (BSB42015).

You can download the application pack from the VFBV website.  We are offering scholarships to volunteers from CFA, Ambulance Victoria, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, Life Saving Victoria, VICSES and St John.   Nominations close Friday 27 January 2017.

The VFBV Leadership Scholarship course has been designed for volunteers, with a mix of lectures and interactive activities designed to suit the needs of adult students, as well as ample support using distance learning methods.  The course involves 12 units, eight face to face days (six Saturdays and two Sundays) throughout the year, with course work and assignments spread throughout the year.

The course includes units on; leadership, decision making, planning, safety and risk management, team effectiveness, making presentations, managing projects, and engaging the community.

Any questions or queries can be directed to any of VFBV’s Support Officers, and information packs are being posted to all Brigades.

 

COALITION MOVES TO CHANGE CFA ACT

The Coalition parties have introduced a Bill into the upper house of State Parliament, in an attempt to introduce additional protections for volunteers’ rights into the CFA Act.

The Bill is designed to prevent any outside deals that affect volunteers but bypass the existing protections of the CFA Act and the Federal Fair Work Act.

The proposed legislation is listed for debate in State Parliament in the new year, and is worthy of support from all Members of Parliament.  We encourage volunteers to raise the issue with local MPs – talk to your VFBV State Councillor if you need advice.

The explanatory notes included with the Bill say it would make minor adjustments to the CFA Act “to protect volunteers from the implementation of any deed, agreement or arrangement that may have adverse effects on the volunteer firefighters across the state.”

The notes also say: “Deeds, agreements and or arrangements to commit the CFA to implement clauses, which would otherwise be subject to approval by the Fair Work Commission (FWC), is not compliant with the principles of the Volunteer Charter. This amendment will ensure the CFA Act 1958 supports the integrated model of fire fighting in Victoria, a volunteer organisation with support from career staff.”

 

ENGAGING DIVERSITY WITH DELEGATE DEVELOPMENT

VFBV will soon offer more than 100 Brigade Delegates, BMT members and other volunteers a nationally recognised training course in skills for volunteer representatives.

The course will offer modules that go towards Cert II in Public Safety (Firefighting Operations) and Cert III in Public Safety (Community Safety).

Participants will develop practical skills in understanding the structure and communications channels of VFBV and CFA, the Delegate’s role, communication skills and problem solving skills.

The newly developed course will involve two full day sessions several weeks apart, and each participant will work with a more experienced volunteer as a mentor.

The course will be free to all participants, details will be posted on the VFBV website in January, and volunteers interested in taking the course should discuss it with their District Council executive or their VFBV Support Officer.

 

DIGITAL SCANNERS AT COST PRICE

 

We are still receiving enquiries from members about digital scanners, and we have good news for everyone still needing a scanner.

Digital Scanners are still available at cost price - $446.75 plus postage and handling - which is hundreds of dollars below retail, and CFA is still accepting orders from Brigades, Groups and individual members.

The digital scanner subsidisation program was advocated by VFBV and run in partnership with CFA, and has been an overwhelming success since it began in October 2015.   Over 10,000 digital scanners have been delivered to over 1,000 Brigades and Groups, with savings to members adding up to over $3 million dollars.

To order a scanner now, you will need to place a Tier 3 order, using the order form that’s available for download here.

 

 

VFBV MULTI-AGENCY YOUTH NETWORK

The VFBV Multi-Agency Youth Network now has active groups in 20 Districts, including 16 where young members, the Champions – experienced local volunteers chosen to assist and mentor them – and VFBV District Council representatives have begun work on recruiting young volunteers and discussing issues and suitable projects.

Districts 4, 5, 6 and 22 are still seeking Champions and all Districts are looking for more young volunteers – if you’d like to get involved, talk to your VFBV Support Officer or call Chris Fryer in the VFBV office on 9886 1141.

In District 12, young volunteers taking part in the VFBV Multi-Agency Youth Network, supported by the VFBV District Council Executive, are to begin work on a new smart phone app.

The app will create a register of volunteers matched with their skills, qualifications and attributes, and will be accessible by other members, making it easy for them to get in contact with volunteers with particular skills and capabilities.

Looking for a volunteer who has expertise in a particular Brigade skill?  Or perhaps a volunteer who is a local plumber or garden contactor?  Consult the app.

The VFBV Multi-Agency Youth Network in District 12 has also had success with new members from VICSES.  Three young SES volunteers have joined the Network and are now working to recruit more young volunteers from their agency.

In Districts 9, 10 and 27, young volunteers are working together to create an interconnected CFA paging system using mobile phones instead pagers.

The app and pager projects are part of a theme that is building up among the young members of the Youth Network, the need to make better use of modern technology.

Young volunteers interested in getting involved should contact their VFBV District Council, or Chris Fryer at VFBV on (03) 9886 1141 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

PLANNED BURNS AS TRAINING

For many years now VFBV has been advocating for a more holistic approach to planned burning, and for CFA to promote the training advantages of participating in planned burns.

The VFBV/CFA Joint Community Safety Committee has been very pleased to observe that recent planned burns have developed into exercises, not just in fire behaviour and fuel load interactions but also extend to learnings in weather behaviour, impact on flora and fauna, bush heritage and Indigenous fire management practices.

The camps are very practical ‘hands on’ for all involved, each participant is specifically tasked with both coaching and mentoring roles, allowing involvement by volunteers across all aspects of the planned burning.

Recent burn camps also saw attendances from Traditional Owners, Trust for Nature (landowners) bird scientists, along with DELWP, plantation owners and CFA paid staff. The attendees worked well together and contributed experience and expertise, building valuable relationships and creating an atmosphere of co-operation in complex burn scenarios.

These camps offer a great opportunity for volunteers to train in realistic settings and gain extensive firefighting experience. The Joint Committee has requested CFA produce a brochure which clearly explains and illustrates upcoming Burn Camps to Brigades.

 

CHAINSAW TRAINING

The VFBV/CFA Joint Training Committee continues to advocate for much greater access and support for members to attain chainsaw qualification and training.

Despite two Mobile Chainsaw Training trailers developed through the Mobile Prop Project back in 2015 to add additional capability for members to access chainsaw training, a UFU grievance over the training package, equipment and trailer use and design has resulted in a yearlong ban on paid instructors using these trailers to deliver any chainsaw training, resulting in the widespread cancellation of CFA planned courses for volunteers.

CFA advises that the IR issues are now close to being resolved, and has confirmed that there are no IR restrictions that relate to volunteer trainer and assessors accessing, towing and using the trailers.

Whilst disappointed that Brigades are currently unable to access paid support and delivery of chainsaw courses through CFA’s training pool, the Joint Committee has requested that CFA increase the number of endorsed volunteer trainer and assessors to deliver this training, so that Brigades can access this vital training.

CFA has agreed to streamline and prioritise volunteer access to the new trailers, equipment and training package, as well as investigate an Expression of Interest process for subject matter experts to be identified and endorsed for volunteer training and delivery.

 

2017 CHAMPIONSHIPS

Over 900 competitors are expected at this year’s VFBV State Urban Championships, with 59 senior teams and 74 junior teams entered.

With Bendigo hosting its 30th urban senior championships, there will be a limited edition commemorative medal for every competitor, free entertainment in the Bendigo CBD after the torchlight procession, and a spectacular display of Chinese lion dancing.

Dates and locations the state championships are as follows:

  • VFBV State Urban Junior Championships - at Tatura, on 25/26 February 2017
  • VFBV State Urban Senior Championships - at Bendigo, on 11 to 13 March 2017
  • VFBV State Rural Championships - at Wodonga on 1 and 2 April 2017

Visit the Urban Championships area of the website for the latest rule book, entry forms, and judges’/officials’ nomination forms.

More details and entry forms will be posted on the Rural Championships page soon.

 

AUSTRALASIAN FIREFIGHTER CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Australasian championships will be held at Carterton, New Zealand, on 17 to 19 November 2017.

Expressions of interest are open until 1 March.  Send your Brigade name and contact details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call the VFBV office on 9886 1141.

 

CANCER LAW REMINDER

Throughout summer, public attention turns to fire and firefighters.

If you encounter any Members of Parliament this summer, VFBV urges you to remind them that

Victorian volunteers and paid firefighters were promised presumptive legislation two years ago, but this important issue for all firefighters remains unresolved.

Your local MPs need to know volunteers won’t accept second best just because they are not paid.  Click here for more information on the Firefighters' Cancer issue.

 

DONATIONS WELCOME

 

GET THE LATEST NEWS

Download the latest Joint Committee Two Minute Briefings here.

Join the discussion on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cfavol

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/vfbv or Instagram @volunteer_fire_brigades_vic

Published in HomePage Featured
Tuesday, 22 November 2016 10:32

2017 Australasian Firefighter Championships

Expressions of Interest are now open for Victorian Brigades wishing to compete at the 2017 Australasian Firefighter Championships.

The Championships will be held at Carterton, New Zealand, on 17 to 19 November 2017.

The Australasian Championships will comprise 10 events with 30 teams from Victoria, NSW, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and New Zealand.

The closing date for EOIs is 1 March 2017 – send your Brigade name and contact details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. call the VFBV office on 9886 1141 or write to J. Laing, VFBV, PO Box 453, Mt Waverley 3149.

Published in HomePage Featured
Tuesday, 14 June 2016 00:00

Urban Championships ‘Come & Try Day’

Bendigo, Sunday 16 October 2016

The Greater Midlands Fire Brigades Competition Association [GMFBCA], the Bendigo & District Combined Brigades [BDFBCC], Central & Hume & Western District are hosting a Come & Try Day for all firefighters [Male, Female & Juniors over the age of 16 years registered as Seniors] with the introduction of 3 new events for older Juniors or a resurgent senior team that has not competed for a few years.

The new events will be the Hose & Reel event for 4 competitors using the reel with 38mm hose flaked on to a holding tray, also a Disabled Hose for 6 competitors with Reel & Tray.  Another event to be trialled on the day will lbe a 3 Hose & Y event for 6 competitors [an event with all 3 hoses and fittings laid out on the track to be coupled together and striking discs).

The Come & Try Day will take place on Sunday 16 October from 10.30am, and will conclude with a sausage sizzle around 2.00pm.

It is open to all from across Victoria to muster a car load of people and come see the social side of fire brigade in a healthy friendly environment of like-minded firefighters.

During the day there will be demonstrations all of the other events in an Urban Championship, from the Marshalls to the Ladder, Hydrant & Pumper events for prospective competitors to see, try and/or take away and master. 

Please note that all Hoses, Hydrants Reels/Trays will be provided on the day so just turn up and enjoy.

So please consider this offer if you or your Brigade would like to be part of this fun and healthy side of the fire service and enjoy the social side of the CFA.

If you would like any more information please contact:

Barry Doye    Bendigo   0439 109 451 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Peter Hannon     Ararat     0407 008 282    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Greg Murphy     Kerang    0429 955 122    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please let the organisers above know if you're planning to attend.

Published in VFBV News

It was a nail biter of a finish in the 2016 VFBV Rural Junior Championships, with Springhurst A, Ascot A and Greta A all on 48 points.

Only a countback could separate them, leaving Springhurst the Champion Team for 2016!

There was a great turnout of girls and boys from communities all over Victoria, with 39 Brigades represented by the CFA volunteer firefighters and community leaders of tomorrow.

Each event is designed to build great team spirit, fitness, team skills and capabilities with hoses, pumps and other equipment that make it a useful addition to each Brigade’s regular weekly training regime.

Of course the teams’ performance on the field is not just about making a big effort on the day, but the hours of practise and dedication of Brigades, coaches, parents and families throughout the year to encourage, train and support our young juniors in developing the professionalism that will benefit their communities for years to come.

As always, the success of the championships was also the result of an amazing effort by the organising committee, volunteer judges and officials, support teams and CFA’s hard working DMOs.  Congratulations to all involved.

CHAMPION TEAM (following a countback to determine placings):

1st

Springhurst A

48 Points

2nd

Ascot A

48 Points

3rd

Greta A

48 Points

To download full results and aggregates, visit the Rural Championship Results page here

 

VFBV State President Encouragement Award: Chiltern A

Stan Ross Conduct Trophy:                                         Sedgwick Brigade                            

Junior Firefighter Sprint:                  

11-13 Years – Female:                    Abbie Hromenko, Huntly

11-13 Years – Male:                         Logan White, Greta

11-15 Years – Female:                    Tiffany Jorgenson, Beazley’s Bridge

11-15 Years – Male:                         Matthew Kerr, Dunrobin/Nangeela

To download full results and aggregates, visit the Rural Championship Results page here

 

FINAL AGGREGATES

11-13 YEARS AGGREGATE

1st

Greta A

36 Points

2nd

Mandurang A

26 Points

3rd

Sedgwick A

22 Points

11-15 YEARS AGGREGATE

1st

Springhurst A

48 Points

2nd

Dunrobin/Nangeela A

34 Points

3rd

Ascot A

28 Points

To download full results and aggregates, visit the Rural Championship Results page here

 

EVENT RESULTS

Event 1A: Low Down Pump & Ladder – 11-13 Years        

1st

Ascot A

18.91 Seconds

2nd

Eldorado A

19.17 Seconds

3rd

Plenty A

19.45 Seconds

4th

Beazley’s Bridge A

19.86 Seconds

5th

Stuart Mill A

20.09 Seconds

Event 1B: Low Down Pump & Ladder – 11-15 Years

1st

Ascot A

15.84 Seconds

2nd

Mandurang A

16.97 Seconds

3rd

Sedgwick A

17.14 Seconds

4th

Dunrobin/Nangeela A

17.16 Seconds

5th

Doreen A

17.83 Seconds

Event 2A: Hose & Ladder – 11-13 Years

1st

Beazley’s Bridge A

22.37 Seconds

2nd

Greta A

22.51 Seconds

3rd

Sedgwick A

23.39 Seconds

4th

Yambuk A

23.85 Seconds

5th

Millbrook B

24.03 Seconds

Event 2B: Hose & Ladder – 11-15 Years

1st

Dunrobin/Nangeela A

19.74 Seconds

2nd

Springhurst B

21.16 Seconds

3rd

Willaura A

21.24 Seconds

4th

Huntly A

21.66 Seconds

5th

Stuart Mill A

21.98 Seconds

Event 4A: Tanker – Priming, Pumping & Ladder – 11-13 Years

1st

Sedgwick A

28.84 Seconds

2nd

Greta A

29.23 Seconds

3rd

Mannerim A

32.9 Seconds

4th

Ascot A

32.92 Seconds

5th

Hurstbridge A

33.78 Seconds

Event 4B: Tanker – Priming, Pumping & Ladder – 11-15 Years

1st

Springhurst A

24.84 Seconds

2nd

Dunrobin/Nangeela A

24.94 Seconds

3rd

Greta A

25.16 Seconds

4th

Stuart Mill A

26.62 Seconds

5th

Mandurang A

26.73 Seconds

Event 5A: Hydrant & Tanker – 11-13 Years

1st

Greta A

27.54 Seconds

2nd

Mandurang A

29.91 Seconds

3rd

Stuart Mill A

30.37 Seconds

4th

Millbrook A

31.22 Seconds

5th

Eldorado B

31.31 Seconds

Event 5B: Hydrant & Tanker – 11-15 Years

1st

Springhurst A

23.16 Seconds

2nd

Drunrobin/Nangeela B

23.83 Seconds

3rd

Mandurang A

24.73 Seconds

4th

Stuart Mill A

25.35 Seconds

5th

Ascot A

26.01 Seconds

Event 6A: Tanker – Drawing Water from Tank – 11-13 Years

1st

Mandurang A

21.98 Seconds

2nd

Millbrook B

22.64 Seconds

3rd

Willaura A

24.13 Seconds

4th

Moyhu A

25.21 Seconds

5th

Mannerim A

25.5 Seconds

Event 6B: Tanker – Drawing Water from Tank – 11-15 Years

1st

Springhurst A

17.14 Seconds

2nd

Ascot A

19.22 Seconds

3rd

Greta A

20.58 Seconds

4th

Dunrobin/Nangeela A

20.71 Seconds

5th

Mandurang A

21.71 Seconds

 

To download full results and aggregates, visit the Rural Championship Results page here

 

 

 

 

Published in VFBV News
Monday, 04 April 2016 00:00

2016 VFBV Rural Championships Results

Dunrobin/Nangeela B had a clear win at the 2016 VFBV Rural Championships, Katunga won the Discipline and the crowd at Colac had a great weekend.

There was real diversity on the field, with young men and women from communities all over Victoria and plenty of team spirit.

The events are based on practical firefighting activities.  As well as camaraderie among the teams, they build fitness, team skills and capabilities with hoses, pumps and other equipment that make them a useful addition to each Brigade’s regular weekly training regime.

The championships also offer one of same benefits as staging a major fire brigade exercise; giving Brigades and volunteers the chance to build the networks that pay off when they work together on large scale bushfires and other major emergencies.

As always, the success of the championships was the result of an amazing effort by the organising committee, volunteer judges and officials, support teams and CFA’s hard working DMOs. Congratulations to all involved.

HIGHEST POINTS OVERALL:        Dunrobin/Nangeela B - 74 points

DISCIPLINE AWARD:                       Katunga Brigade

WINNERS OF THE SPRINTS:         Female Sprint:   Amy Jackson, Willaura

Male Sprint:       Nathan Hooper, Greta

To download full results and detailed aggregates, visit the Rural Championship Results page here

FINAL AGGREGATES

DIVISION A AGGREGATE

 

1st

Greta A

64 Points

 

2nd

Hurstbridge A

46 Points

 

3rd

Greta B

42 Points

DIVISION B AGGREGATE

 

1st

Dunrobin/Nangeela B

74 Points

 

2nd

Connewarre B

28 Points

 

3rd

Strathmerton A

27

Points

DIVISION C AGGREGATE

 

1st

Plenty A

44 Points

 

2nd

Dunrobin/Nangeela D

41 Points

 

3rd

Dunrobin/Nangeela C

40 Points

To download full results and aggregates, visit the Rural Championship Results page here

EVENT RESULTS

Event 1: Low Down Pump & Ladder

A Division:

1st

Greta A

15.07 Seconds

 

2nd

Greta B

16.45 Seconds

 

3rd

Eldorado A

16.65 Seconds

 

4th

Beazley’s Bridge A

16.68 Seconds

 

5th

Mandurang A

 

17.17 Seconds

B Division:

1st

Dunrobin/Nangeela B

17.18 Seconds

 

2nd

Connewarre B

17.28 Seconds

 

3rd

Strathmerton A

17.86 Seconds

 

4th

Irrewarra A

18.03 Seconds

 

5th

Dunolly A

18.21 Seconds

 

C Division:

1st

Dunrobin/Nangeela D

16.75 Seconds

 

2nd

Strathmerton C

17.24 Seconds

 

3rd

Plenty A

17.55 Seconds

 

4th

Katunga B

18.08 Seconds

 

5th

Dunrobin/Nangeela C

18.53 Seconds

Event 2: Hose & Ladder

A Division:

1st

Chiltern A

15.22 Seconds

 

2nd

Hurstbridge A

15.41 Seconds

 

3rd

Greta B

15.55 Seconds

 

4th

Eldorado A

15.56 Seconds

 

5th

Beazley’s Bridge A

15.88 Seconds

 

 

 

 

B Division:

1st

Dunrobin/Nangeela B

15.92 Seconds

 

2nd

Miners Rest A

16.7 Seconds

 

3rd

Mandurang B

16.95 Seconds

 

4th

Eldorado C

17.04 Seconds

 

5th

Research B

17.34 seconds

 

C Division:

1st

Dunrobin/Nangeela C

16.09 Seconds

 

2nd

Mt Buninyong A

16.78 Seconds

 

3rd

Connewarre C

17.06 Seconds

 

4th

Plenty A

17.12 Seconds

 

5th

Greta D

18.03 Seconds

 

Event 3: Tanker Hose Reel & Ladder

A Division:

1st

Hurstbridge A

39.49 Seconds

 

2nd

Beazley’s Bridge A

40.6 Seconds

 

3rd

Greta A

42.96 Seconds

 

4th

Springhurst A

44.21 Seconds

 

5th

Eldorado A

 

44.35 Seconds

B Division:

1st

Moyhu A

44.04 Seconds

 

2nd

Dunrobin/Nangeela B

45.95 Seconds

 

3rd

Research B

46.53 Seconds

 

4th

Strathmerton A

46.66 Seconds

 

5th

Connewarre B

47.66 Seconds

 

C Division:

1st

Dunrobin/Nangeela E

47.71 Seconds

 

2nd

Dunrobin/Nangeela C

48.91 Seconds

 

3rd

Research C

50.51 Seconds

 

4th

Corio B

51.15 Seconds

 

5th

Plenty A

51.7 Seconds

 

Event 4: Tanker - Priming, Pumping & Ladder

A Division:

1st

Greta B

20.31 Seconds

 

2nd

Greta A

20.63 Seconds

 

3rd

Hurstbridge A

21.71 Seconds

 

4th

Mandurang A

22.45 Seconds

 

5th

Springhurst A

22.71 Seconds

 

B Division:

 

1st

 

Dunrobin/Nangeela B

 

23.94 Seconds

 

2nd

Connewarre B

24.46 Seconds

 

3rd

Strathmerton A

24.69 Seconds

 

4th

Elaine A

24.94 Seconds

 

5th

Miners Rest A

 

24.98 Seconds

C Division:

1st

Plenty A

25.09 Seconds

 

2nd

Research C

25.43 Seconds

 

3rd

Dunrobin/Nangeela D

25.91 Seconds

 

4th

Pearcedale A

26.1 Seconds

 

5th

Dunrobin/Nangeela C

27.64 Seconds

 

Event 5: Hydrant & Tanker

A Division:

1st

Greta A

17.92 Seconds

 

2nd

Greta B

18.9 Seconds

 

3rd

Springhurst A

19.17 Seconds

 

4th

Hurstbridge A

20.77 Seconds

 

5th

Springhurst B

21.98 Seconds

 

B Division:

 

1st

 

Dunrobin/Nangeela B

 

20.18 Seconds

 

2nd

Strathmerton A

20.47 Seconds

 

3rd

Connewarre B

22.53 Seconds

 

4th

Irrewarra A

22.81 Seconds

 

5th

Moyhu B

23.53 Seconds

 

C Division:

1st

Dunrobin/Nangeela D

21.25 Seconds

 

2nd

Dunrobin/Nangeela C

23.38 Seconds

 

3rd

Research C

23.74 Seconds

 

4th

Corio B

24.44 Seconds

 

5th

Dunrobin/Nangeela E

24.57 Seconds

 

Event 6: Tanker Drawing Water from Tank

A Division:

1st

Greta A

14.48 Seconds

 

2nd

Hurstbridge A

15.53 Seconds

 

3rd

Chiltern A

16.42 Seconds

 

4th

Torquay A

16.78 Seconds

 

5th

Mandurang A

16.82 Seconds

 

B Division:

 

1st

 

Eldorado B

 

17.35 Seconds

 

2nd

Irrewarra A

19.4 Seconds

 

3rd

Dunolly A

20.1 Seconds

 

4th

Eldorado D

20.22 Seconds

 

5th

Beazley’s Bridge C

20.42 Seconds

 

C Division:

1st

Plenty A

20.56 Seconds

 

2nd

Greta D

20.73 Seconds

 

3rd

Doreen A

20.96 Seconds

 

4th

Connewarre C

21.11 Seconds

 

5th

Dunrobin/Nangeela D

21.19 Seconds

 

To download full results and aggregates, visit the Rural Championship Results page here

 

Published in VFBV News

The 2016 VFBV State Urban Championships have concluded, with Maryvale taking the title of Champion Brigade with a convincing win over Kangaroo Flat and Melton .

The team from Werribee has been victorious in B Class, with Patterson River second and Sale third.

C Class honours were taken out by Whittlesea, with Stanhope in second place and Knox Group third.

Victoria won the Interstate Challenge, in a very closely fought contest.

Congratulations to the Mildura Committee on their organisation and commitment to the championships, and we hope to see all competitors, families and spectators next year for the VFBV 2017 State Urban Championships at Bendigo.

Detailed results are available for download below.

To see results from the 2016 VFBV State Urban Junior Championships, click here.

Published in VFBV News
Saturday, 27 February 2016 00:00

VFBV 2016 Junior Urban State Championships

Tatura A has won the title of Champion Team.  You can download detailed results for every event below.

The Final Aggregate Results are as follows;

DRY AGGREGATE:
1st TATURA A 57 points
2nd SALE A 26 points
3rd KOOWEERUP A 18 points

WET AGGREGATE
1st TATURA A 32 points
2nd MOE A 24 points
3rd SALE A 15 points

UNDER 14 YEARS AGGREGATE
1st TATURA A 61 points
2nd KOOWEERUP A 26 points
=3rd MELTON A & MOE A 14 points

UNDER 17 YEARS AGGREGATE
1st SALE A 41 points
2nd TATURA A 28 points
3rd MOE A 23 points

GRAND AGGREGATE
1st TATURA A 89 points
2nd SALE A 41 points
3rd MOE A 37 points

 

Published in VFBV News
Sunday, 25 October 2015 00:00

Australasian Firefighters Championships

Host Brigade Echuca has won the title of 2015 Champion Team, after a weekend of competition involving 30 teams from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Echuca was one of nine Victorian teams competing, they included Euroa, Geelong West, Melton, MFB, Ocean Grove, Pyramid Hill, Swan Hill and Werribee.

NZ Brigade New Norfolk were runners up to Echuca, and the next Australasian Firefighters Championship will be held in New Zealand.

For video of events, see the Australasian Firefighting Championships Facebook page.

2015 AUSTRALASIAN FIREFIGHTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
RESULTS & AGGREGATE POINTS

EVENT NO. 1 Collector Event – 4 Competitors

1st ECHUCA (VICTORIA) – NEW RECORD 8.310 seconds
2nd KELSO (NEW SOUTH WALES) 8.705 seconds
3rd DEVONPORT (TASMANIA) 8.737 seconds
4th WERRIBEE (VICTORIA) 8.867 seconds
5th WYONG (NEW SOUTH WALES) 9.134 seconds

EVENT NO. 2 First Aid Reel & Pumper – 4 Competitors

1st METROPOLITAN FIRE BRIGADE (VICTORIA) – NEW RECORD 29.387 seconds
2nd MELTON (VICTORIA) 29.439 seconds
3rd ECHUCA (VICTORIA) 29.519 seconds
4th NOWRA (NEW SOUTH WALES) 31.253 seconds
5th FIJI 31.654 seconds

EVENT NO. 3 - Pumper rescue, 4 Competitors

1st TENTERFIELD (NEW SOUTH WALES) – NEW RECORD 25.904 seconds
2nd DEVONPORT (TASMANIA) 26.986 seconds
3rd GREYMOUTH (NEW ZEALAND) 27.933 seconds
4th KELSO (NEW SOUTH WALES) 28.253 seconds
5th ECHUCA (VICTORIA) 28.361 seconds

EVENT NO. 4 - Siamese Valve, 4 Competitors

1st DEVONPORT (TASMANIA) 41.399 seconds
2nd KELSO (NEW SOUTH WALES) 43.429 seconds
3rd WERRIBEE (VICTORIA) 43.616 seconds
4th ECHUCA (VICTORIA) 44.314 seconds
5th WYONG (NEW SOUTH WALES) 45.428 seconds

EVENT NO. 5 – Wet Hose Marshall Event, 4 Competitors

1st ECHUCA (VICTORIA) – NEW RECORD 15.348 seconds
2nd WERRIBEE (VICTORIA) 15.432 seconds
3rd MELTON (VICTORIA) 16.123 seconds
4th GEELONG WEST (VICTORIA) 17.981 seconds
5th OCEAN GROVE (VICTORIA) 18.073 seconds

EVENT NO. 6 – Hose & Hydrant 2 Competitors

1st ECHUCA (VICTORIA) – NEW RECORD 11.054 seconds
2nd GREYMOUTH (NEW ZEALAND) 11.132 seconds
3rd SWAN HILL (VICTORIA) 11.161 seconds
4th TAMWORTH (NEW SOUTH WALES) 11.249 seconds
5th KOOTINGAL/MOONBI (NEW SOUTH WALES) 11.353 seconds


EVENT NO. 7 – Hose & Hydrant, 4 Competitors

1st SILVERDALE (NEW ZEALAND) – NEW RECORD 15.384 seconds
2nd TAMWORTH (NEW SOUTH WALES) 15.976 seconds
3rd KOOTINGAL/MOONBI (NEW SOUTH WALES) 16.229 seconds
4th ECHUCA (VICTORIA) 16.739 seconds
5th WERRIBEE (VICTORIA) 16.790 seconds

EVENT NO. 8 – Hose, Hydrant & Extinguisher, 3 Competitors

1st KOOTINGAL/MOONBI (NEW SOUTH WALES) 33.529 seconds
2nd TAMWORTH (NEW SOUTH WALES) 33.832 seconds
3rd SWAN HILL (VICTORIA) 34.532 seconds
4th GEELONG WEST (VICTORIA) 34.748 seconds
5th DORRIGO (NEW SOUTH WALES) 34.795 seconds

EVENT NO. 9 – Hose, Hydrant & Pumper – 4 Competitors

1st ECHUCA (VICTORIA) – NEW RECORD 15.913 seconds
2nd MELTON (VICTORIA) 16.715 seconds
3rd DEVONPORT (TASMANIA) 17.314 seconds
4th OCEAN GROVE (VICTORIA) 17.695 seconds
5th TAMWORTH (NEW SOUTH WALES) 17.930 seconds

EVENT NO. 10 – PUMP SUCTION, 4 Competitors

1st ECHUCA (VICTORIA) 18.228 seconds
2nd DEVONPORT (TASMANIA) 18.806 seconds
3rd TAMWORTH (NEW SOUTH WALES) 19.366 seconds
4th DORRIGO (NEW SOUTH WALES) 19.574 seconds
5th BEGA (NEW SOUTH WALES) 19.723 seconds


AGREGATE POINTS

1st ECHUCA (VICTORIA) 161.5 Points
2nd DEVONPORT (TASMANIA) 115.5 Points
3rd TAMWORTH (NEW SOUTH WALES) 94.5 Points
4th KELSO (NEW SOUTH WALES) 84.0 Points
5th WERRIBEE (VICTORIA) 78.0 Points


2015 CHAMPION TEAM: ECHUCA (VICTORIA)

Click here to download the results as a PDF file

Published in Other News

23 to 25 October at Echuca

Meet the teams and our sponsors here

The Australasian Firefighters Championships celebrates more than a decade of competition and celebration of fire ground skills.  The 2015 Australasian Firefighters Championships will be hosted by the Country Fire Authority and held 23 to 25 October at Echuca, with 30 teams from Australian States & Territories, New Zealand & Fiji competing in 10 championship events.

The Australasian Firefighter Championships are a biannual event governed by a Championship Committee, the membership drawn from two representatives of each public fire agency and related associations across Australasia. The next scheduled Australasian Championships would be conducted in the spring of 2017.

In 2003, the inaugural National Firefighters Championship, encompassing teams from each Australian State and Territory as well as New Zealand, was held in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales.  The biennial event was subsequently hosted by Queensland on the Gold Coast in 2005 and again in Lakes Entrance, Victoria in 2007.  In 2009, the event was been re-branded as the “Australasian Firefighter Championships” and hosted by New Zealand for the first time in Rotorua.

In 2011 the event returned to New South Wales in Port Macquarie, and in 2013 the Championships was hosted by Tasmania at Launceston.

The embryo for the current Australasian Firefighter Championships had its beginnings with the Centenary of Federation Firefighter Championships held in Corowa, NSW in 2001. Firefighters have competed in interstate and trans-Tasman competitions since 1876. So successful was the Corowa 2001 event that the concept of biannual National Championships gained momentum with the formation of a National Firefighter Championships Committee formed from member fire agencies and related associations. In 2009, the acceptance of teams from the New Zealand Fire Service and their hosting of the event saw the re-branding to the Australasian Firefighter Championships.

 

Published in VFBV News

CFA will participate in the 2015 Australian National Fire Cadet Championships, to be held in New South Wales during the September school holidays.

They are seeking applications from registered junior members aged 14 and 15 years, as well as endorsed junior leaders, to represent CFA at the championships.

Applicants do not require previous championships/competition experience, as the NSW events are not based on CFA running events.

This opportunity will involve members travelling to Sydney to engage in a series of team building and group development activities, as well as participating in the ANFC Championships.

Please see the attached flyer for information on the Championships and application process.

Further information and application forms can be found at http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer-careers/junior-volunteers/ or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applications close, Friday 7 August 2015.

Published in CFA News
Wednesday, 01 April 2015 00:00

2015 VFBV State Rural Championships

Torquay A achieved the highest points overall at the 2015 VFBV State Rural Championships, which brought 600 competitors from 46 Brigades to St Arnaud for the weekend’s competition.

Napoleons/Enfield A won Division A with 38 points and Dunrobbin/Nangeela D won Division C with 42 points. St Arnaud, Strathdownie and Hurstbridge all appeared among the placings, District 22 won the Discipline Award, and Greta runners Sarah Hooper and Nathan Hooper won the sprints.

At the 2015 VFBV State Rural Junior Championships, Willaura A won the Champion Team title and the 11-15 Years Aggregate.

Springhurst A won the 11-13 Aggregate, Slaty Creek won the VFBV State President Encouragement Award, Willaura won the Stan Ross Conduct Trophy, Erin Munro of Dunrobbin/Nangeela and Lachlan Peck of Miners Rest won the 11-13 Years sprints, and Tiffany Bussem-Jorgensen of Beazleys Bridge and: Cooper Nelson or Irrewarre won the 11-15 Years sprints.

There will be a full report in the April edition of the Fireman, there are more pictures on the VFBV Facebook page www.facebook.com/cfavol and you can download the full results from both Championships by clicking here.

Published in VFBV News
Saturday, 07 March 2015 00:00

2015 VFBV Urban Championships - results

EVENT RESULTS - FINAL

SATURDAY, 7th MARCH

Click here to download Aggregate Spreadsheet and Champion Competitor event scores

Event 1, DISCIPLINE CONTEST

Section A:      

1st

Mildura

93.64 %

2nd

Melton A

90.00 %

3rd

Bendigo

87.27 %

4th

Kooweerup

85.00 %

5th

Dandenong

84.55 %

 

Section B:      

1st

Patterson River

88.64 %

2nd

Benalla

86.82 %

3rd

Morwell

85.91 %

4th

Maldon

84.55 %

5th

Kyneton

84.09 %

 

Section C:      

1st

Knox Group

89.09 %

2nd

Hoppers Crossing

85.45 %

3rd

Whittlesea

82.27 %

4th

Pakenham

81.82 %

5th

Frankston

81.36 %

 

 

Event No. 2 – Ladder Race - One Competitor 

1st

Jackson Dargaville, Kangaroo Flat

6.42 Seconds

2nd

Matt Royal, Maryvale

6.60 Seconds

3rd

Andrew Norman, Narre Warren A

6.65 Seconds

4th

Jake Rennie, Tatura

6.69 Seconds

5th

Jon Murphey, Eaglehawk A

6.88 Seconds


Event  3 - Hydrant Race - One Competitor 

1st

Jackson Dargaville, Kangaroo Flat

11.54 Seconds

2nd

Matt Royal, Maryvale

11.67 Seconds

3rd

Thomas Germon, Wendouree

11.75 Seconds

4th

Joshua Pike, Mildura

11.75 Seconds

5th

Brendan Webbers, Kooweerup

11.90 Seconds

 

Event 4 – B Section Pumper & Ladder – Five Competitors

1st

Corio

15.52 Seconds

2nd

Benalla

15.58 Seconds

3rd

Morwell

16.49 Seconds

4th

Kyneton

17.31 Seconds

5th

Maldon

17.89 Seconds

 

Event No. 5 - C Section Marshall - One Competitor 

1st

Maffra B: Mitch Hawkins

25.57 Seconds

2nd

Warrnambool: A Bishop

26.78 Seconds

3rd

Sebastopol: Shaun Parker

27.06 Seconds

4th

Warracknabeal: Devon Winsall

27.88 Seconds

5th

Eaglehawk B: Mason

28.05 Seconds

 

Event No. 6 - A Section Hose and Ladder Eights

1st

Kangaroo Flat

19.93 Seconds

2nd

Maryvale

20.44 Seconds

3rd

Narre Warren A

20.88 Seconds

4th

Eaglehawk A

21.51 Seconds

5th

Tatura

21.52 Seconds

 

Event  No. 7 - B Section Marshall - One Competitor 

1st

Benalla: Les Palpratt

24.97 Seconds

2nd

Benalla: Cameron Green

25.49 Seconds

3rd

Corio: James Mullins

26.37 Seconds

4th

Corio: Dean Jordan

26.65 Seconds

5th

Patterson River: Mark Mullins

28.15 Seconds

 

Event No. 8 - C Section Hose and Reel Fours

1st

Warrnambool

18.04 Seconds

2nd

Warracknabeal

18.22 Seconds

3rd

Stanhope

19.75 Seconds

4th

Pakenham

19.75 Seconds

5th

Euroa B

20.69 Seconds

 

Event No. 9 - A Section Marshall - One Competitor 

1st

Kangaroo Flat A: Jamie Hart

22.94 Seconds

2nd

Narre Warren A: Dale Hutchinson

24.14 Seconds

3rd

Wendouree: Damon Sutton

24.78 Seconds

4th

Moe

25.04 Seconds

5th

Melton A: Bailey Rhodes

25.38 Seconds

 

Event  No. 10 - B Section Hose and Reel Sixes 

1st

St Arnaud

29.34 Seconds

2nd

Corio

29.99 Seconds

3rd

Patterson River

30.46 Seconds

4th

Sunbury

32.33 Seconds

5th

Kyneton

34.79 Seconds

 

 

Torchlight Procession

1st

Knox Group

93.00 %

=2nd

Diamond Creek, Hoppers Crossing & Melton A

90.00 %

5th

Mornington

89.00 %

 

 

 

SUNDAY, 8th MARCH

 

Event 11– C Section Pumper & Ladder – Five Competitors

1st

Sale – NEW RECORD

15.94 Seconds

2nd

Whittlesea

19.14 Seconds

3rd

Stanhope

19.28 Seconds

4th

Narre Warren B

20.52 Seconds

5th

Warracknabeal

20.78 Seconds

 

Event 12 - A Section Marshall - Two Competitors 

1st

Kangaroo Flat: Thomas Dargaville & Jamie Hart

14.29 Seconds

2nd

Narre Warren: Dale Hutchinson & Steve Miles

15.31 Seconds

3rd

Bendigo: Leigh Schintler & Nigel Anderson

15.55 Seconds

4th

Wendouree: Craig Briody & Thomas Germon

15.62 Seconds

5th

Maryvale: Dallas Flowers & Chris Johnson

15.65 Seconds

 

Event 13 - B Section Hose and Ladder Eights 

1st

Pyramid Hill

23.21 Seconds

2nd

Werribee

23.71 Seconds

3rd

St Arnaud

24.02 Seconds

4th

Patterson River

24.22 Seconds

5th

Corio

24.48 Seconds

 

Event 14 - C Section Marshall - Two Competitors

1st

Warracknabeal: Cameron Whelan & Shaune Winsall

16.38 Seconds

2nd

Maffra B: Mitch Hawkins & Jess Clark

16.51 Seconds

3rd

Sale: David Monck & Gil Aitken

17.02 Seconds

4th

Stanhope: Lachlan Armstrong & Jack Cockroft

17.21 Seconds

5th

Maffra B: Mitch Trail & Braden Hargreaves

17.55 Seconds

 

Event 15 - A Section Hose and Reel Eights

1st

Kangaroo Flat

26.32 Seconds

2nd

Drouin/Bunyip

27.76 Seconds

3rd

Harvey

28.15 Seconds

4th

Narre Warren

28.91 Seconds

5th

Wendouree

38.37 Seconds

 

Event 16 - B Section Marshall - Two Competitors

1st

Corio: Dean Jordan & James Mullins

15.63 Seconds

2nd

Patterson River: Tim Mullins & Mark Mullins

16.02 Seconds

3rd

Geelong West: Mark Simons & Ben Simons

16.08 Seconds

4th

Benalla: David Smith & Mitch Beaton

16.57 Seconds

5th

Horsham: Marcus Williamson & Paul Hollier

16.79 Seconds

 

Event 17 - C Section Hose and Reel Sixes

1st

Warrnambool

31.27 Seconds

2nd

Maffra B

31.37 Seconds

3rd

Warracknabeal

32.87 Seconds

4th

Pakenham

33.92 Seconds

5th

Eaglehawk B

34.27 Seconds

 

 

Event 18 - A Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper

1st

Dandenong

12.88 Seconds

2nd

Wendouree

13.27 Seconds

3rd

Drouin/Bunyip

13.52 Seconds

4th

Swan Hill

13.87 Seconds

5th

Mandurah WA

14.13 Seconds

 

Event 19 - B Section Y Coupling and Ladder Eights 

1st

Corio

34.73 Seconds

2nd

St Arnaud

35.09 Seconds

3rd

Patterson River

35.55 Seconds

4th

Morwell

36.23 Seconds

5th

Sunbury

38.53 Seconds

 

Event 20 - C Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper

1st

Stanhope

14.25 Seconds

2nd

Sale

15.62 Seconds

3rd

Whittlesea

16.72 Seconds

4th

Pakenham

16.74 Seconds

5th

Seymour

17.13 Seconds

 

Event 21 - A Section Y Coupling and Ladder Eights 

1st

Tatura

31.44 Seconds

2nd

Harvey WA

33.31 Seconds

3rd

Narre Warren A

33.77 Seconds

4th

Eaglehawk A

35.13 Seconds

5th

Swan Hill

36.16 Seconds

 

Event 22 - B Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper  

1st

Geelong West

14.33 Seconds

2nd

Benalla

14.82 Seconds

3rd

Corio

14.84 Seconds

4th

Morwell

15.16 Seconds

5th

Horsham

15.38 Seconds

 

Event 23 – C Section Y Coupling and Ladder Eights 

1st

Warracknabeal – NEW RECORD

34.28 Seconds

2nd

Sale

39.63 Seconds

3rd

Hoppers Crossing

41.99 Seconds

4th

Stanhope

42.23 Seconds

5th

Eaglehawk B

42.67 Seconds

 

Event 24 - A Section Hose and Reel Sixes 

1st

Drouin-Bunyip

28.01 Seconds

2nd

Bendigo

28.16 Seconds

3rd

Maffra A

28.33 Seconds

4th

Wendouree

29.33 Seconds

5th

Kangaroo Flat

33.02 Seconds

 

 

MONDAY, MARCH 9th  

Event 25 – A Section Pumper & Ladder – Five Competitors

1st

Drouin/Bunyip

14.28 Seconds

2nd

Eaglehawk A

14.48 Seconds

3rd

Wendouree

14.76 Seconds

4th

Swan Hill

14.84 Seconds

5th

Kangaroo Flat

14.89 Seconds

 

Event 26 - B Section Y Coupling - Four Competitors

1st

Corio

8.08 Seconds

2nd

Benalla

8.11 Seconds

3rd

Bairnsdale/Lakes Entrance

8.19 Seconds

4th

Geelong West

8.52 Seconds

5th

Morwell

8.85 Seconds

 

Event 27 - C Section Hose and Ladder Fives 

1st

Whittlesea

23.28 Seconds

2nd

Hoppers Crossing

23.34 Seconds

3rd

Maffra B

23.59 Seconds

4th

Sale

24.22 Seconds

5th

Knox Group

25.15 Seconds

 

Event 28 - A Section Y Coupling - Four Competitors 

1st

Kangaroo Flat

7.55 Seconds

2nd

Eaglehawk A

7.67 Seconds

3rd

Narre Warren A

7.80 Seconds

4th

Swan Hill

7.93 Seconds

5th

Harvey W.A.

7.98 Seconds

 

Event 29 - B Section Hose and Reel Eights

1st

Morwell

29.51 Seconds

2nd

Kyneton

30.83 Seconds

3rd

Corio

31.22 Seconds

4th

Patterson River

31.53 Seconds

5th

St Arnaud

32.54 Seconds

 

Event 30 - C Section Y Coupling - Four Competitors 

1st

Warracknabeal

8.13 Seconds

2nd

Euroa B

8.47 Seconds

3rd

Maffra B

8.57 Seconds

4th

Narre Warren B

8.58 Seconds

5th

Sale

8.80 Seconds

 

Event 31 - Champion Fours 

1st

Maryvale

16.53 Seconds

2nd

Wendouree

17.03 Seconds

3rd

Moe

17.24 Seconds

4th

Traralgon

17.55 Seconds

5th

Bendigo

17.77 Seconds

FINAL AGGREGATE RESULTS

Dry Aggregate

1st

Kangaroo Flat

40 Points

2nd

Narre Warren A

16 Points

3rd

Maryvale

10 Points

 

Wet Aggregate

1st

Corio

56 Points

2nd

Drouin/Bunyip

48 Points

3rd

Sale

40 Points

 

SECTION AGGREGATES:

‘A’ SECTION

1st

Kangaroo Flat

76 Points

2nd

Drouin/Bunyip

48 Points

3rd

Wendouree

40 Points

 

‘B’ SECTION

1st

Corio

77 Points

2nd

Benalla

45 Points

=3rd

Morwell, Patterson River & St Arnaud

34 Points

 

‘C’ SECTION

1st

Warracknabeal

52 Points

2nd

Sale

44 Points

3rd

Warrnambool

37 Points

 

2015 CHAMPION BRIGADE: Kangaroo Flat

 

The team members of Kangaroo Flat are Coach David Dargaville, and competitors:

 

Jackson Dargaville

Tomas Dargaville

Shane Every

Shane Harris

Tyler Harris

Jamie Hart

Jack Mactier

Adam Mellis

James Murphy

Craig Peters

Andrew Smith

 

 

Results for the 2015 Champion Competitor:

1st

Jackson Dargaville (Kangaroo Flat)

16 Points

=2nd

Jamie Hart (Kangaroo Flat) & Thomas Germon (Wendouree)

15 Points

=4th

James Hall (Drouin/Bunyip), Steve Forrest (Drouin/Bunyip) & Matt Royal (Maryvale)

13 Points

 

 

The Victoria / Western Australia Challenge took place after the final event, the Champion Fours, and was won by the Western Australian team in a time of 29.15 seconds with the Victorian team 29.96 seconds. The competitors of the two teams for the Victoria / Western Australia Challenge were:

 

Western Australian:

            Tim Egerton-Green     Harvey

            Cory Goodhill             Mandurah

            Scott Hendon              Mandurah

            Phil Johnson                Mandurah

            Luke Jones                  Harvey

            Levi Pope                    Harvey

            Steve Rees                  Harvey

            Jarrod White               Mandurah

            Catcher Vaea Peterson, Carterton N.Z.

            & Coach - Richard Epplett, Carterton N.Z.  

 

Victoria:

Jackson Dargaville,    

Tom Dargaville &

Jamie Hart                  Kangaroo Flat

Evan Bramley             Drouin/Bunyip

Michael Coleman        Maffra

Dale Hutchinson         Narre Warren

Nathan Rennie                        Tatura

Matt Royal                  Maryvale

 

Catcher Peter Fiddes, Tatura

& Coach David Dargaville, Kangaroo Flat

Published in VFBV News
Tuesday, 17 February 2015 00:00

VFBV Urban Junior Championships Results

Tatura's juniors have dominated the 2015 VFBV Urban Junior Championships at Horsham, with a strong win from Benalla and Drouin/Bunyip.

Click here for full results.

More than 700 junior CFA volunteers from Victoria and WA took part, in events involving fitness, skill and speed with hoses and equipment, and putting water onto a target.

One thousand spectators and supporters were there to see 75 teams from 46 Brigades competing, in events hosted by Horsham Fire Brigade and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria.

Aggregate results are;

WET AGGREGATE

1st TATURA A 37 points

2nd SWAN HILL A 16 points

=3rd EUROA A & MOE A 13 points

 

UNDER 14 YEARS AGGREGATE

1st TATURA A 43 points

2nd DROUIN/BUNYIP 26 points

3rd BENALLA 18 points

 

UNDER 17 YEARS AGGREGATE

1st TATURA A 29 points

2nd SWAN HILL A 24 points

3rd MOE A 22 points

 

GRAND AGGREGATE

1st TATURA A 72 points

2nd BENALLA 28 points

3rd DROUIN/BUNYIP 26 points

 

2015 -Champion Brigade Members – TATURA A

Coaches Martin Rennie, Darren Rennie & Damian Briese, and competitors:

Leigh Dann

Guilz Meola

Hayley Rennie

Matthew Rennie

Nathan Rennie

Grady Tyson

Floyd Vincitorio

Jeremey Withal

 

Click here for the events program, list of competing Brigades, championship rules and media contact detaills.

Published in VFBV News

Programs and teams for the 2015 VFBV Urban Championships and Junior Urban Championships are now available for download.

Click here for the Urban Championships page

 

 

Published in VFBV News
Tuesday, 09 December 2014 00:00

2015 AUSTRALASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Expressions of interest are now open for Victorian Brigades wishing to compete in the 20 15 Australasian Firefighter Championships.

The Championships will be held at Echuca on 24/25 October 20 15, and the closing date for EOIs is 1 March 2015.

The Australasian Championships comprise 10 events with 30 teams from Victoria, NSW, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and New Zealand.

It’s set to be a great weekend with top level competition and will be good value for competitors and spectators alike. To enquire about lodging an Expression of Interest, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call VFBV on (03) 9886 1141.

Published in VFBV News
Monday, 01 December 2014 00:00

2015 Australasian Firefighter Championships

COMPETE IN THE 2015 AUSTRALASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Expressions of interest are sought from interested Victorian Brigades to compete in the 2015 Australasian Firefighter Championships to be held at Echuca on 24 & 25 October 2015.

Closing date to the VFBV office is 1 March 2015.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (03) 9886 1141.

Published in VFBV News
Thursday, 06 March 2014 00:00

2014 VFBV Urban Championships

Kangaroo Flat has won the title of Champion Brigade, at the 2014 Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) Urban Championships, at Bendigo.

Jamie Hart and Tom Dargaville, of Kangaroo Flat, were named Champion Competitors.

The Championship weekend included a torchlight procession through central Bendigo and featured hundreds of competitors in 67 teams including several from WA.

The event was hosted by the Bendigo & District Fire Brigades Championship Committee, CFA and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria.

The three days of competition included events based on practical firefighting activities, building fitness, team skills and capabilities with hoses, hydrants and other equipment that make them a useful addition to each Brigade’s regular weekly training regime.

The championships also offer one of same benefits as staging a major fire brigade exercise; giving Brigades and volunteers the chance to build the networks that pay off when they work together on large scale bushfires and other major emergencies.

The firefighters’ championships are one aspect of VFBV’s role as a statewide network of CFA’s 60,000 volunteers.  The events continue a Victorian volunteer fire brigade tradition of more than 140 years.

FINAL AGGREGATE RESULTS

Dry Aggregate

1st        Kangaroo Flat             24 Points

2nd        Drouin/Bunyip            21 Points

3rd        Maryvale                     8 Points

 

Wet Aggregate

1st        Kangaroo Flat             58 Points

2nd        Benalla                        52 Points

3rd        Traralgon                     42 Points        

 

SECTION AGGREGATES:

‘A’ SECTION

1st        Kangaroo Flat             82 Points

2nd        Drouin/Bunyip            42 Points

3rd        Narre Warren              37 Points

 

‘B’ SECTION

1st        Kooweerup                 50 Points

2nd        Traralgon                     47 Points

3rd        Cobden                       40 Points

 

‘C’ SECTION

1st        Benalla                        63 Points

2nd        Patterson River           41 Points

3rd        St Arnaud                   39 Points

 

2014 CHAMPION BRIGADE: KANGAROO FLAT

Coach David Dargaville, and competitors:   Tom Dargaville, Jackson Dargaville, Glen Scholtes, Jamie Hart, Jacob Cahill, James Murphy, Shane Every, Craig Peters, Andrew Smith, Kate Dargaville, Tyler Harris, Nathan Styles, Adam Melis, Cheri O’Neill & Brett Styles.

 

Results for the 2014 Champion Competitor:

Equal 1st        Jamie Hart and Tom Dargaville, Kangaroo Flat        19 points

3rd        Steven Myers, Drouin/Bunyip                                      17 points

=4th      Jackson Dargaville & Matt Royal (Maryvale)                    14 points

 

The Victoria / Western Australia Challenge took place after the final event, the Champion Fours, and was won by the Victorian team.  The competitors of the two teams for the Victoria / Western Australia Challenge were:

Western Australia:

Coach Horrie Hubble – South Hedland, and competitors

Andrew Seuren, Cory Goodhill & Catcher Dan Lawson – Mandurah Reece Parton, Tim Egerton-Green & Troy Rake – Harvey, Sam Trott – Brunswick Junction, Marlon Baars & Tim Bruce – South Hedland.

Victoria:

Coach David Dargaville, and competitors - Jackson Dargaville,Tom Dargaville, Jamie Hart

& Jacob Cahill – Kangaroo Flat, Peter Every – Wendouree, Kyle Hargreavs – Maffra, Steven Myers – Drouin/Bunyip, Arthur Churchill – Narre Warren, Matty van Tilburg – Moe

 

RESULTS - EVENT BY EVENT

SATURDAY, 8th MARCH

Event 1, DISCIPLINE CONTEST

 

Section A:     1st        Mornington                                     90.00%

                        2nd        Melton A                                         89.55%

                        3rd        Mildura                                            89.09%

                         4th        Harvey W.A.                                   87.27%

                         5th        Eaglehawk A                                 85.91%

 

Section B:     1st        Kyneton                                          87.27%

                        2nd        Belgrave                                        86.36%

                        3rd        South Hedland W.A.                     83.64%

                        4th        Kooweerup                                    82.73%

                        5th        Horsham                                        81.36%

 

Section C:     1st        Knox Group                           92.73%

                        2nd        Patterson River                    92.27%

                        3rd        Hoppers Crossing              88.64%

                        4th        Benalla                                  86.36%

                        5th        Whittlesea                            85.45%

 

Event No. 2 –  Ladder Race - One Competitor 

1st       Jackson Dargaville, Kangaroo Flat                 6.12 seconds  

2nd        Troy Ranke, Harvey W.A.                                   6.68 seconds

3rd        Andrew Norman, Hampton Park/Hallam       6.69 seconds

4th        Jake Rennie, Tatura                                           6.70 seconds

5th        Cory Goodhill, Mandurah W.A.                          6.83 seconds

 

Event  3 - Hydrant Race - One Competitor 

1st       Steven Myers, Drouin/Bunyip                        11.43 seconds

2nd        Michael Coleman, Maffra                             11.82 seconds

3rd        Josh Pike, Mildura                                         11.86 seconds

4th        Damon Sutton, Wendouree                         12.11 seconds

5th        Jake Rennie, Tatura                                      12.48 seconds

 

Event 4 – B Section Pumper & Ladder – Five Competitors

1st       Pyramid Hill                                                    15.69 seconds

2nd        Geelong West                                               15.99 seconds

3rd        Traralgon                                                        16.09 seconds

4th        Hampton Park/Hallam                                 16.16 seconds

5th        Horsham                                                         16.43 seconds

 

Event No. 5 - C Section Marshall - One Competitor 

1st       Leigh Barclay, Belmont                                 24.97 seconds

2nd        Cameron Whelan, Warracknabeal            27.45 seconds

3rd        Adam Bishop, Warrnambool                       27.62 seconds

4th        Devon Winsall, Belmont                               27.73 seconds

5th        Shaune Winsall, Warracknabeal                 27.89 seconds

 

Event No.  6 - A Section Hose and Ladder Eights

1st       Kangaroo Flat                                                   20.72 seconds

2nd        Wendouree                                                       21.47 seconds

3rd        Maryvale                                                             21.74 seconds

4th        Narre Warren                                                    21.77 seconds

5th        Eaglehawk A                                                     21.82 seconds

 

Event  No. 7 - B Section Marshall - One Competitor 

1st       Simon Hanigan, Belgrave                                25.67 seconds

2nd        Andrew Marshall, Cobden                              26.31 seconds

3rd        Brad Atkinson, Belgrave                                  26.88 seconds

4th        Cody Brown, Traralgon                                    27.78 seconds

5th        Wayne Sampson, South Hedland W.A.        28.06 seconds 

 

Event No. 8 - C Section Hose and Reel Fours

1st       Benalla                                                              17.84 seconds

2nd        Whittlesea                                                       18.47 seconds

3rd        Stanhope                                                          19.38 seconds

4th        St Arnaud                                                         19.55 seconds

5th        Warracknabeal                                                20.11 seconds 

 

Event No. 9 - A Section Marshall - One Competitor 

1st        Steven Myers, Drouin/Bunyip                          23.81 seconds

2nd        Matthew Royal, Maryvale                                 23.99 seconds

3rd        Mitch Golding, Drouin/Bunyip                         24.41 seconds

4th        Thomas Germon, Wendouree                      25.31 seconds

5th        Damon Sutton, Wendouree                           25.44 seconds

 

Event  No. 10 - B Section Hose and Reel Sixes 

1st       Kooweerup                                                      30.03 seconds

2nd        Werribee                                                         30.51 seconds

3rd        South Hedland, W.A.                                     32.11 seconds

4th        Maldon                                                             33.18 seconds

5th        Cobden                                                            34.27 seconds

 

Torchlight Procession

1st        Maffra                                                    96%

=2nd     Hoppers Crossing & Mildura           93%

4th        Melton                                                   91%

=5th      Kangaroo Flat & Swan Hill               90%

 

SUNDAY, 9th MARCH

 

Event 11– C Section Pumper & Ladder – Five Competitors

1st       Eaglehawk B                                 17.80 seconds

2nd        Mooroopna                                   18.43 seconds

3rd        Benalla                                          18.46 seconds

4th        Warracknabeal                            18.79 seconds

5th        Seymour                                       20.17 seconds

 

Event 12 - A Section Marshall - Two Competitors 

1st       James Murphy & Shane Every, Kangaroo Flat           14.29 seconds

2nd        Jared Squires & Josh Powell, Melton                         14.72 seconds

3rd        Chris Johnson & David Fromberg, Maryvale             15.11 seconds

4th        Tim Edgerton-Green & Luke Jones, Harvey W.A.     15.37 seconds

5th        Adrian Jones & Dale Hutchinson, Narre Warren      15.49 seconds

 

Event 13 - B Section Hose and Ladder Eights 

1st       Werribee                                                                              23.29 seconds

2nd        Traralgon                                                                            23.63 seconds

3rd        Cobden                                                                               23.82 seconds

4th        Kyneton                                                                              24.43 seconds

5th        Sorrento                                                                            24.61 seconds

 

Event 14 - C Section Marshall - Two Competitors 

1st       Mark & Tim Mullins, Patterson River                             15.36 seconds

2nd        Brenton & Leonard Lawrence, Hoppers Crossing    16.65 seconds

3rd        Adam & Sam Bishop, Warrnambool                             17.67 seconds

4th        Matthew & Cameron Crellin, Mansfield                         18.23 seconds

5th        Nick Bailey & Les Palpratt, Benalla                               18.49 seconds

 

Event 15 - A Section Hose and Reel Eights

1st       Kangaroo Flat                                                                    26.95 seconds

2nd        Narre Warren                                                                   27.69 seconds

3rd        Drouin/Bunyip                                                                  28.03 seconds

4th        Bendigo                                                                            28.16 seconds

5th        Wendouree                                                                      28.39 seconds

 

Event 16 - B Section Marshall - Two Competitors 

1st       Andrew Marshall & Ben Nelson, Cobden                   15.84 seconds

2nd        Tim & Joshua Harvey, Kooweerup                              16.34 seconds

3rd        Brendan Webbers & John Roberts, Kooweerup       16.95 seconds

4th        Russell Dow & James Templeton, Belgrave               17.38 seconds

5th        Liam Bunn & Brett Magrath, Kyneton                             17.47 seconds 

 

Event 17 - C Section Hose and Reel Sixes 

1st       St Arnaud                                                                             30.47 seconds

2nd        Whittlesea                                                                          32.06 seconds

3rd        Warracknabeal                                                                   32.17 seconds

4th        Sale                                                                                      33.88 seconds

5th        Mooroopna                                                                          34.44 seconds

 

Event 18 - A Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper  

1st       Narre Warren                                                                     11.68 seconds

2nd        Melton A                                                                              11.71 seconds

3rd        Dandenong                                                                        12.07 seconds

4th        Drouin/Bunyip                                                                    12.75 seconds

5th        Creswick                                                                             12.94 seconds

 

Event 19 - B Section Y Coupling and Ladder Eights 

1st       Traralgon                                                                             33.88 seconds

2nd        Sorrento                                                                             34.58 seconds

3rd        Kooweerup                                                                        35.92 seconds

4th        Werribee                                                                            37.15 seconds

5th        South Hedland, W.A.                                                       37.57 seconds 

 

Event 20 - C Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper

1st       Benalla                                    14.65 seconds

2nd        Sale                                         15.49 seconds

3rd        Warracknabeal            15.71 seconds

4th        Warrnambool                          15.80 seconds

5th        Stanhope                                 16.20 seconds

 

Event 21 - A Section Y Coupling and Ladder Eights 

1st       Eaglehawk A                          30.37 seconds

2nd        Kangaroo Flat                         30.40 seconds

3rd        Maryvale                                 33.03 seconds

4th        Creswick                                 33.16 seconds

5th        Euroa                                       33.18 seconds

 

Event 22 - B Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper  

1st       Kooweerup                             14.01 seconds

2nd        Traralgon                                 14.69 seconds

3rd        Geelong West                         15.26 seconds

4th        Cobden                                   16.16 seconds

5th        Horsham                                  16.25 seconds

 

Event 23 – C Section Y Coupling and Ladder Eights 

1st       Patterson River                       35.40 seconds

2nd        Benalla                                    37.81 seconds

3rd        Eaglehawk B                           39.24 seconds

4th        Whittlesea                               39.62 seconds

5th        Warrnambool                          41.87 seconds

 

Event 24 - A Section Hose and Reel Sixes 

1st       Maffra                                         28.47 seconds

2nd        Moe                                           28.62 seconds

3rd        Narre Warren                          28.72 seconds

4th        Bendigo                                   28.81 seconds

5th        Dandenong                             31.98 seconds 

 

MONDAY, MARCH 10th

Event 25 – A Section Pumper & Ladder – Five Competitors

1st       Echuca                                    13.65 seconds

2nd        Maryvale                                 13.95 seconds

3rd        Drouin/Bunyip                       14.18 seconds

4th        Swan Hill                               14.42 seconds

5th        Dandenong                           15.08 seconds

 

Event 26 - B Section Y Coupling - Four Competitors

1st       South Hedland W.A.                 8.50 seconds  

2nd        Werribee                                   8.59 seconds

3rd        Traralgon                                   8.86 seconds

4th        Kooweerup                               8.93 seconds

5th        Cobden                                    8.96 seconds

 

Event 27 - C Section Hose and Ladder Fives 

1st       St Arnaud                                   22.16 seconds

2nd        Patterson River                       23.57 seconds

3rd        Sale                                           23.93 seconds

 

Event 28 - A Section Y Coupling - Four Competitors 

1st       Kangaroo Flat                         7.82 seconds  

2nd        Swan Hill                                8.16 seconds

3rd        Drouin/Bunyip                        8.17 seconds

4th        Mildura                                    8.20 seconds

5th        Wendouree                            8.35 seconds

 

Event 29 - B Section Hose and Reel Eights

1st       Belgrave                                  29.52 seconds

2nd        Maldon                                    31.93 seconds

3rd        South Hedland W.A.              32.26 seconds

4th        Cobden                                   32.31 seconds

5th        Geelong West                         32.39 seconds

 

Event 30 - C Section Y Coupling - Four Competitors 

1st       Benalla                                    7.86 seconds  

2nd        Belmont                                 8.26 seconds

3rd        St Arnaud                               8.74 seconds

4th        Patterson River                      8.82 seconds

5th        Sale                                         9.10 seconds

 

Event 31 - Champion Fours 

1st       Kangaroo Flat                         17.19 seconds

2nd        Cobden                                   17.35 seconds

3rd        Maryvale                                 17.47 seconds

4th        Drouin/Bunyip                        17.63 seconds

5th        Golden Square                       18.21 seconds

4th        Benalla                                     24.04 seconds

5th        Knox Group                              24.19 seconds

 

 

Published in VFBV News
Tuesday, 05 March 2013 00:00

Upcoming Urban Championships

2025 State Urban Junior Championship

The 2025 State Urban Junior Championship will be held at Mooroopna on the weekend of 22 and 23 March 2023, the weekend prior to the State Urban Senior and Rural State Championships.

  

2025 State Urban Senior Championship, Mooroopna

The 2025 State Urban Senior Championship will be held at Mooroopna on the weekend of 29 and 30 March 2025, in conjunction with the 2025 State Rural Junior and Senior Championships. 

  

Urban Competition Conditions & Rules

A copy of the Urban Competition Conditions & Rules book is available as a PDF document from the link below. The rule book was last updated in September 2024. If you require a printed copy, please reach out to the VFBV office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (03) 9886 1141.

 

Information for Competing Brigades 

A memo from the Urban Competition and Rules Committee was forwarded to competing brigades in August, October and December 2024, a copy of this can be downloaded at the bottom of this page. 

 

2024-25 Urban Competition Season

The schedule for local urban competitions for the 2024-25 Competition Season are available for download at the bottom of this page. 

Published in Urban Championships
Tuesday, 05 March 2013 00:00

Upcoming State Rural Championships

2025 State Rural Championships

The 2025 State Rural Championships will be held in conjunction with the Urban Senior Championships again in 2025.

For further information please contact your local District Competition Committee or the VFBV office on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

2024 State Rural Championships - Mooroopna Recreation Reserve:

Saturday 29th March 2025 State Senior Championship
Sunday 30th March 2025 State Junior Championship 

 

 

Rural Championships Rule Book

A copy of the Rule Book is available at the bottom of this page, under Attachments. The Rule book was updated in November 2024. 

 

2025 Local Competitions 

A schedule of local competitions to be held in 2025 can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.  

 

Rural Championships Events 

A video is located on YouTube for the current events, there are some slight changes however this gives Brigades a good idea of what is involved in the Rural Championships. The trailers used for the events are a replica of CFA tankers. The video can be accessed here.

  

 

 

 

2024 State Championships Sponsors

Major Sponsor 

 

 

Silver Sponsors 

 

Published in Rural Championships
Tuesday, 05 March 2013 00:00

Rural - Upcoming Championships

2020 State Rural Championships 

VFBV and CFA, in a ground breaking move, will be conducting a combined Championship event, combining the Rural Senior & Junior Championships and the Urban Seniors, to all be held at Mooroopna on the weekend of 28th & 29th March 2020 – with the Rural and Urban Championship events to be conducted separately on their own competition tracks, but alongside each other – at the same location on the same weekend.

 

This will be an exciting move and VFBV hope that all current competing Brigades will fully support the concept and enter to compete at the 2020 combined Championship event.  VFBV also hope to build participation numbers and strongly encourage non-competing Brigades to the competitions, to make this a showcase of our urban & rural events, and of the CFA to the community.

2020 State Rural Championships - John Gray Oval, Ferrari Park, Mooroopna

- Saturday 28th March 2020:  64th State Senior Championship 

- Sunday 29th March 2020:     42nd State Junior Championship

 

A copy of the Rule Book is available for download at the bottom of this page. 

 

Published in Championships
Tuesday, 05 March 2013 00:00

Championships - Introduction and History

Upcoming State Championships

The 2025 State Championships will all be held in Mooroopna over consecutive weekends in March for the fifth year in a row.

The weekend 22 and 23 March will host the State Urban Junior Championship. The following weekend, 29 and 30 March, will see the State Urban Senior Championship run over both days. While the State Rural Senior Championship will be run on Saturday 29 March and the State Rural Junior Championship on Sunday 30 March. The events for each championship will be conducted separately on their own competition tracks, but alongside each other at the same location, on the same weekend, in what is a showcase of CFA to the wider community.

On the evening of Saturday 29 March, the Torchlight Procession will be held in Mooroopna from 8.30pm with all CFA brigades invited to take part even if they are not competing in the Championships.      

 

VFBV State Championship History and Introduction

VFBV State Championships are one of Victoria's proudest and longest traditions, running for nearly 150 years with the first State Championship held in Melbourne in 1873, with the volunteer associations running and organising these events some 70 years before CFA even existed.  State Championships have continued annually since 1873 with no state event cancelled due to fire, flood, weather or natural disaster – the only cancellations being due to WW1, WWII and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The establishment of volunteer fire brigades in country Victoria began in 1854 with brigades formally established at Geelong and Sandhurst (now Bendigo). The introduction of hose reels into the Fire Service to assist in getting hose and other necessary equipment to the scene of a fire relatively quickly, was a major catalyst for fire brigade competitions, as we know them. 

The Championships, initially known as ‘Demonstrations’ as they were viewed as a demonstration of firefighting skills, arose from an awareness that fire brigade operational response and training could be enhanced if it was performed in a competitive environment. Brigades soon discovered their training and efficiency improved by engaging in training and competitions with neighbouring brigades, with the State Championship evolving as the pinnacle of the season’s competitions conducted by Districts and Associations across the state.

After the first two Championships were held in Melbourne 1873 and 1874, and given the vast distance many country and regional Brigades travelled to attend the Melbourne events, it was agreed that other venues should have the opportunity of hosting future Championships. This was also seen as a way to fairly distribute the economic benefits of increased tourism and patronage in townships as a result of each year’s competitions, and honoured volunteer firefighters dedication to putting their communities first.

Today, competitions and the State Championships remain an integral part of CFA activities, attracting every year volunteer and career firefighters from across the state and interstate, competing against each other in a range of events designed to hone their firefighting skills and put their skills to the test in a demonstration of their unique life and property saving skills.  Speed and accuracy are vital as the firefighters compete in events using a range of traditional and modern-day firefighting equipment. 

Since 1873 - VFBV (and its predecessor associations) coordinate and arrange all Fire Brigade championships and competitions in Victoria, and selects the venues, approves the events and rules of the competitions, and appoints/supports all track officials and judges for the Championships. Under the CFA Act, we must seek the approval of CFA for each year’s events held within the country area of Victoria. CFA support the running of these Championships through the provision of annual grants to contribute to the running costs of hosting each year’s events, as well as reimbursing competitors for travel expenses to attend the State Championship – in recognition that many Brigades are required to travel hundreds of kilometres to attend each years State Championships.

 

State Championships allow volunteer firefighters to test their skills and prowess against opposing Brigades in a congenial atmosphere and provides an opportunity to strengthen existing friendships and form new bonds with Brigade members throughout Victoria and interstate.  Unlike a real bushfire or structural fire situation, which often pits firefighters against mother nature and where lives and property are at risk, these drill competitions are more firefighter versus firefighter, and Brigade versus Brigade, which allows for a more friendly opponent than mother nature.

The urban championships in the main involve traditional events and many still include the use of the reel as was the case in the early 1900s.

On the other hand the events at the rural championships which evolved in the 1950's are based around more current fire ground practices and most use either tankers or replica tanker stands for most of their events. Earlier rural championships held competitions such as rope climbs and knapsack races which have now been discontinued in favour of more tanker based activities.

The benefits and objectives of our competitions and State Championships are to:

  1. increased operational firefighting efficiency and discipline

  2. develop, maintain and enhance the operational skills of firefighters by providing a competitive environment to promote and hone training and skills maintenance in core and fundamental firefighting skills and practices

  3. develop teamwork and leadership skills of individuals and Brigades

  4. increased health and fitness development and promotion of healthy lifestyle and its correlation to increased firefighting efficiency and effectiveness

  5. promote comradeship amongst firefighters, sense of belonging and networking

  6. encourage family participation and strengthen community engagement and involvement in local Fire Brigade’s

  7. encourage our future CFA volunteer firefighters and provide early exposure to young people to instill a sense of community service and the importance of local Fire Brigade’s

  8. promote a professional image of CFA to the community

  9. instill and promote the Australian tradition of having a go, and doing your best

  10. promote and recognise our future CFA, Brigade and VFBV leaders and celebrate excellence

 

 

Published in Championships
CFA Volunteers are the unpaid professionals of our Emergency Services. VFBV is their united voice, and speaks on behalf of Victoria's 60,000 CFA Volunteers.

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