Firefighter Games Highlight In Swan Reach

Bairnsdale Fire Brigade winning members

More than 70 brigade members recently gathered in Swan Reach to compete in CFA's District 11 Firefighter Games.

While the sun shone across the weekend (September 15), members travelling from Mallacoota, Cann River and Omeo drove through snow to participate at Swan Reach Recreation Reserve.

Seven brigades got involved in the day, competing for medals and trophies throughout activities that made use of their general firefighter, driving, leadership and teamwork skills.

New Bairnsdale recruit Vijay Ravi was one of the fresh faces to embrace the day, having just completed his General Firefighter Course three weeks ago.

"It was such a great day. It was really nice to see other members from different brigades and to have so many people there supporting," Vijay said.

"I really enjoyed the bushfire event and the hydrant relay – it was a good opportunity to continue developing my skills.

"Since I finished my practical test a few weeks ago, I haven't missed a call out."

That day entailed a round-robin approach, with members making their way through a running grass fire event, a hydrant relay, entrapment drill, draughting, a five-person fog attack and a navigation and communication exercise.

Up to five participants took part in each event, with fire ground practices adhered to and time deductions for any errors made. Coaches were encouraged on the course and judges gave feedback at the conclusion of runs.

To close out the day, each team nominated two pairs to compete in a hose race, with Group Officers jumping in for a go. Metung Fire Brigade were the eventual winners with their promising juniors coming in second, and their Junior Leaders winning the race by less than a second.

The overall trophy was presented to Bairnsdale Fire Brigade by Tim Bull MP, who were said to be practicing across many nights in the lead up. While gold, silver and bronze medals were presented in each event by Tim Bull MP, CFA's Manager for South East Region Volunteer Sustainability Lisa Peters and Councillor Arthur Allan.

"I've just moved from Eagle Point, and I knew one of my friends was already in CFA so I just asked him if I could come down with him and give it a go," Vijay said.

"It's a great way to make friends and events like these are such fun experiences."

Participants and supporters were also treated to a showcase of specialist vehicles, including the Metung Marine Unit, Lakes Entrance Rescue Unit, Sarsfield Big Fill, Paynesville Rehab Unit and Bairnsdale's Breathing Apparatus Support Unit.

The D11 Headquarters Brigade staging area truck and communications van was also on display, and onlookers got a sneak peek at the Light Tanker Prototype truck that is currently touring Victoria.