A group of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters from the Southern Highlands is set to compete at the 2024 State Firefighter Championships, at Wagga Wagga, in the state’s Riverina region this week.
Held every two years, the State Firefighter Championships give firefighters the opportunity to hone their skills in a competitive environment, allowing them to further develop their capabilities to take back to their local communities.
With events such as “rescue”, “booster valve”, “ladder”, and ”high-rise bag”, firefighters put their stamina, attention to detail, and cooperation to the test.
FRNSW Inspector Dowling's Team
A team composed of firefighters from Bundanoon and Moss Vale will be travelling to Wagga Wagga to learn new skills and make connections with colleagues from across the state.
FRNSW Inspector, Bruce Dowling, leads the team, known as the ‘Region South Phantoms’.
FRNSW Inspector Dowling On His Team
“Our team possesses two main qualities: passion for the job and an eagerness to learn,” Inspector Dowling said.
“We’ve been competing together at the Firefighter Championships for a couple of years, and we’re improving all the time."
“Like all on-call firefighters, the team all work and train around their everyday jobs. It’s just a great atmosphere at the Championships…everyone comes together to learn new skills and meet new and old friends. There’s a great sense of community at these events.”
Commissioner’s Remarks On Championship
FRNSW Acting Assistant Commissioner, Gary Barber, said that the Wagga Wagga Championships are set to be one to remember.
“The State Firefighter Championships unite firefighters from across the state and beyond, and teams come from far and wide to compete,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Barber said.
“This event is hugely beneficial to our firefighters, but ultimately, it’s our communities who benefit the most. Our people take learnings, skills, and stronger relationships back to their local community, and apply them in real scenarios such as structure fires and rescue incidents.”
Competition And Community
Spectators are welcome to attend the Championships, with the event set to culminate with a community engagement evening on Friday at Wagga Beach Riverside Precinct.
From 5.00 pm onwards, the public is invited to a special performance from the FRNSW Band, a torchlight procession, and a spectacular fireworks display at 8.15 pm.
