- Young volunteer firefighters to showcase skills at annual State championships
- Twelve brigades - from Esperance to Geraldton - will compete across 17 events
- Talented junior members signal strong future for Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
- Cook Government supporting our emergency services to protect the community
Some of Western Australia's best young volunteer firefighters will put their skills to the test this weekend at the 48th annual State Junior Championships.
Organised by the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS) Association of WA with support from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, the championships will see competitors aged 11 to 16 take part in 17 events designed to replicate frontline firefighting tasks.
Twelve teams from brigades across the State, including Geraldton, Esperance, Kellerberrin and North Kalgoorlie, will battle it out on 29 and 30 November at Bortolo Reserve in Mandurah.
Awards will be presented in team and individual categories, with one brigade recognised as overall champion.
The VFRS has more than 200 junior firefighters in its ranks.
These volunteers do not attend incidents but can take part in training under supervision. They also devote many hours to raising awareness of their brigades and improving fire safety in the community.
To find out more about junior volunteering programs, contact your local brigade, group or unit or visit dfes.wa.gov.au/volunteering
Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"Volunteers play a crucial role in keeping Western Australians safe and these impressive young competitors show the future is bright for our firefighting services.
"This event gives junior brigade members a taste of frontline firefighting in a fun and safe environment but it's also an opportunity for them to build friendships and learn from their peers.
"Volunteering in emergency services is a great way for young people to engage with their local community and build valuable skills in leadership, teamwork and problem-solving."
