Melton Fire Brigade members will travel to Mooroopna in the state’s north next month to compete in the CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships.
The Urban Junior State Championships will kick off on March 22 and 23, with the Senior Urban, Junior Rural, and Senior Rural events to be held on March 29 and 30.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the state championships have been an integral part of CFA since they began in 1874.
“The championships are a great way to show the endurance and reliability of brigades as well as promoting leadership, mental wellbeing, and physical fitness with all competitors celebrated for having a go,” Mr Heffernan said.
“The championships are one of the most exciting events on the CFA calendar and a great opportunity for our members to engage in friendly competition with their brigade and fellow firefighters.
“I highly recommend brigades to get involved in the event which includes practical firefighting activities using hoses, hydrants and other equipment. It’s also fantastic for teamwork and comradeship.”
Melton Fire Brigade captain Anthony Rhodes will compete with the brigade’s senior open running team and coach the senior women’s team.
He has been competing and coaching teams in the state championships since he was a teenager and said he loves the family aspect of the event.
“I love the camaraderie,” Mr Rhodes said.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re from it is a real family feeling.
“It gives you a good opportunity to socialise and meet people and then you run into them on strike teams or just out and about and you really feel connected.”
Mr Rhodes competed in the junior division before becoming a senior competitor. He also spent many years as a coach for both junior and senior teams at Melton.
“I used to coach the juniors, but when my two sons came along I decided to step back from that and just be a dad,” he said.
Mr Rhodes said he can’t wait to share the event with his boys and extended firefighting family.
“Champs allow members and family to have an outlet and have a little bit of fun,” he said.
“When people go to fires, we don’t always deal with great things. This is a great outlet because it isn’t life or death, it is just a bit of fun.”
