Five teams from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle are set to represent Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) this week at the 2024 State Firefighter Championships, at Wagga Wagga, in the state’s Riverina region.
Held every two years, the State Firefighter Championships give firefighters the opportunity to hone their skills in a competitive environment, allowing them to develop their capabilities to take back to their local communities.
With events such as “rescue”, “booster valve”, “ladder”, and ”high-rise bag”, firefighters put their stamina, attention to detail and cooperation to the test.
Teams From All Over NSW
Crews from Kurri Kurri, Morisset, Wyong and Wangi Wangi are fielding teams to participate, learn new skills and make connections with colleagues from across the state.
Fire Station Captain, Jamie Loader, leads the defending champions, team ‘Wyong.’ “We’ve been competing together at the Firefighter Championships for the last 10 years, and collectively, we have over 73 years of firefighting experience,” Captain Loader said.
“We’ve won the last six championships in a row, including the last State Championship in 2022, but we’re mindful that there is some fierce competition among this year’s teams.”
Increasing Diversity In Championship
Kurri Kurri Fire Station Captain, Wayne Redfern, has been attending the Firefighter Championships since 1988. “I haven’t been to every Championship since then, but I’ve been involved for a long time,” Captain Redfern said.
“It’s a great thing to be part of…and while our team doesn’t compete at the top, we get out there and have lots of fun. In a typically male-dominated profession and event, it’s great that we’re starting to see more diversity at the Championships too.”
“Our region has at least three women competing this year, and hopefully that figure keeps growing. The Championships are just a great atmosphere… everyone comes together to learn new skills and meet new and old friends. There’s a great sense of community at these events,” said Captain Redfern.
Championship And Community
FRNSW Acting Assistant Commissioner Gary Barber said the Wagga Wagga Championships is set to be one to remember.
“The State Firefighter Championships unite firefighters from across the state and beyond, and teams come from far and wide to compete,” he said.
“This event is hugely beneficial to our firefighters, but ultimately, it’s our communities who benefit the most. Our people take learnings, skills, and stronger relationships back to their local community, and apply them in real scenarios such as structure fires and rescue incidents,” concluded Gary.
Performance By FRNSW Band
Spectators are welcome to attend the Championships, with the event set to culminate with a community engagement evening on Friday at Wagga Beach Riverside Precinct.
From 5.00 pm onwards, the public is invited to a special performance from the FRNSW Band, a torchlight procession, and a spectacular fireworks display at 8.15 pm.
