Father-daughter team take on firefighting championships

MEMBERS from fire brigades across Victoria will battle it out this at the Rural Juniors and Seniors State Championships, including a determined duo from Mannerim.

Father-daughter team Jeff and Em Avery have competed in many championships themselves and also coach four teams including a legacy team, mixed team, women’s team and junior’s team.

Em said her dad had been a huge help in getting the teams going and she loves coaching alongside him.

“What I love about the champs is seeing everyone have fun. I love the adrenaline rush and the teamwork.

“There’s a level of seriousness but you have to enjoy it, and I do my best to make sure my brigade has fun.

At the championships, firefighting equipment displays, training demonstrations, trade displays, award presentations and more will take place.

Em encouraged everyone to get involved with the historic event and is looking forward to competing and watching her teams.

“The events are everything our firefighters already know how to do, it just boosts their skill sets in a fun way, it also brings brigades together from across the state,” she said.

“If your brigade doesn’t compete in the championships, please look for a nearby brigade and join their team.”

Em is also the co-ordinator for the junior teams, taking over the role of her dad who is heavily committed as captain of the Mannerim Fire Brigade.

Joining the brigade at just 11 years old, the CFA has always been an important part of Em’s family.

“I feel like I’ve been a member since I was born because of my strong connection to the brigade and Dad took over the CFA juniors when I was five years old,” she said.

“I was too young to join but I was always helping dad and running along with him and the juniors for as long as I can remember. I loved it.”

The Rural Juniors and Seniors State Championships will take place today (Saturday, March 29) and Sunday, March 30 in Mooroopna.