Firefighters from across the state descended on the Snowy Mountains this Saturday and Sunday to compete in the NSW Regional Firefighting Championships.
In a community where the relationship between locals and the firefighting services is closer than ever, Tumut gave a warm welcome to other units and their families who had given their weekend to prove their skills.
Uncle Pat Connolly opened the championships with a smoking ceremony, with FRNSW assistant commissioner Cheryl Steer saying that it was her first, as well as a privilege for the assembled firefighters. She also thanked Tumut Captain Mick Ivill for hosting the event, which saw 19 teams assembled.
“They have done so much work in making sure that the grounds are prepared and everything is in place. The sense of community that we get from the people in town has been incredible,” Steer said.
Of the 19 teams representing a station, each station committed four members to work through a series of evolutions challenging firefighters on their skill with equipment, teamwork and communication. Wyong Station took the most points with an overwhelming 1360, followed by Kootingal on 906.
“The friendly rivalry between fire stations and emergency services results in shared and improved knowledge that will ultimately save lives during real emergencies,” Steer said.
“These competitions allow our firefighters to remain honed and ready for the real thing,” Deputy Commissioner Steer said.
The two-day event at the Bull Paddock is the first round of regional challenges for the 19 teams. The next challenge will be a road crash rescue challenge in Dubbo, followed by events in Kelso and Wagga Wagga.
