By Alana Mitchelson
The Pakenham junior CFA team and a combined Drouin-Bunyip junior CFA team will compete at the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) Urban Junior Championships next month.
The locals will be among 700 competitors across the state putting their firefighting skills to the test in a host of timed challenges.
The 18 events across two days build fitness, skill, confidence and speed with hoses and equipment, and putting water onto a target.
Each challenge is designed to develop leadership and practical skills in preparation for later service as CFA volunteer firefighters.
Long-time Bunyip CFA firefighter John Beavis, who has volunteered for more than 50 years, said the championships taught the kids discipline, teamwork and improved their handling of firefighting equipment.
There are two categories: 11 to 14 year olds and 14 to 17 year olds,” he said.
“It certainly benefits them when they become seniors at the CFA because they’ve had more training in handling equipment.”
Mr Beavis said the under-14s placed second over in the 2015 state-wide championships and again performed well last year.
The VFBV Urban Junior Championships will be held at the Tatura Racecourse on 25 and 26 February.
The fire brigade competition has a strong tradition in the CFA, with the first local competitions starting more than 140 years ago, and junior championships 40 years ago.
For more information or to view the results, visit www.vfbv.com.au
