The VFBV State Championships will kick off this weekend, starting with the Urban Junior Championships in Kerang.
One of CFA’s longest and proudest traditions, the Championships offer entertainment and thrilling competition, and a truly unique atmosphere for all ages to enjoy, free of charge.
Competitions are split into Rural and Urban divisions, to reflect the different firefighting practices required in each. Junior and open age competitions are contested.
History
The Championships have been an integral item on the Victorian firefighting calendar since its inception in 1873.
Victoria’s early firefighters understood that fire operational response could be enhanced if these demonstrations were performed in a competitive environment, and so thus an element of competition was added.
Brigades soon saw the benefits of engaging in training and competitions with neighbouring brigades, and so the State Championships evolved.
After the first two were held in Melbourne, it was decided country venues should also get their chance to host the event, given the considerable distances brigades would travel to compete.
With Victoria’s firefighters and their families all in the one place, the Championships became about more than just firefighting skills. The Championships encourage family participation, and strengthen community engagement and involvement in local Fire Brigades.
Key Details
There will food trucks, information as well as free health checks, CFA merchandise, Emergency Memberlink special deals and more across all Championship weekends.
Urban Junior Championships: 23 & 24 February, Atkinson Park (Murray Valley Highway, Kerang)
Urban Championships: 9 – 11 March 2019, Bendigo, Weeroona Oval (347 Napier St, Bendigo)
Rural Championships: 6 & 7 April 2019, Bendigo, Tom Flood Sports Centre (Park Rd, Bendigo)
The Championships come as CFA announced plans to hold the Rural and Urban Championships as a flagship event across the same weekend, beginning in Mooroopna in 2020.
