Firefighters join forces

Hamilton & Colac team up for State Championships

Hamilton and Colac volunteer firefighters are joining forces to create a new combined team in the upcoming 2023 state championships.

It marks the first time the brigades have entered senior teams in the state-wide CFA/Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) championships for more than a decade.

The 2023 State Urban Senior Championship will be held at Mooroopna on March 25-26, in conjunction with the 2023 State Rural Junior and Senior Championships.

Colac hasn’t run a senior team since 2008 but Brigade Captain Daniel Williams said a demo in January sparked interest in reforming.

For Mr Williams, it’s a chance to add a competitive edge to his role as a CFA volunteer.

“I ran the last year we competed in the senior competition in 2008 and it was something I have enjoyed coming through the junior brigade,” he said.

“Getting the team up and running again was something I always wanted to do but we struggled to get the numbers until we did a modified senior demo in January and got some members interested.

“It’s hard to get interest in sports so to get a team back on the track is a bonus.” The Colac and Hamilton competitors will come together at several regional competitions in the lead-up to the state championships.

The Osbourne Park team from Geelong has been assisting to help the team get back on the track.

Hamilton team coordinator Lieutenant Nathan Appledore said although the junior team continued, a senior team hadn’t competed in the state championships for about 10 years.

Lt Appledore said reviving the senior team created a pathway for junior runners to continue competing and ultimately stay on to train as volunteer firefighters.

“We had a junior turning 18 who ran last year but wouldn’t have had anywhere to go if we didn’t revive the team,” he said. Lt Appledore’s son Ethan is competing in the junior competition.

“We would be going anyway so I thought I might as well have a crack at it.” Lt Appledore, 36, used to run in the rural competition with Brim but hasn’t competed for about 15 years.

“I’m finding it a bit of a challenge,” he said. “I’m a bit slower than I used to be but it’s fun.”

The 2023 State Urban Junior Championship will be held the week before at Mooroopna on March 18-19.

VFBV CEO Adam Barnett said firefighter championships are one of CFA’s proudest and longest traditions dating back to 1873.

“They provide insight to the professional standards of training that CFA volunteer firefighters undergo, and showcase the skill, speed and agility of our volunteer firefighters in a unique sporting environment that strengthens fire brigades, enhances their leadership skills and encourages proficiency though healthy rivalry.”

Mr Barnett said. State championships are open to the public and all are welcome.

They not only provide an opportunity to watch CFA volunteers demonstrate their skills, but members of the public can also access home fire safety and bushfire survival information.

This year the State Fire Championships are being held at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, located on the Midland Highway in Mooroopna.