The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has congratulated members of the Beeac and Irrewarra CFAs after their success at the 2010 State Rural Fire Brigade Championships in Whittlesea recently.
Joining more than 1000 fire-fighters from across the state, the two brigades placed in a number of event including:
Beeac A:
• 1st for the Wet Hose and Ladder Division B Event
• 1st for the Priming Pumping and Ladder Division B Event
• 2nd for the Low Down Pump and Ladder Division B Event
• And 2nd overall in the Division B Aggregate with 44 points
Irrewarra A:
• 2nd for the Low Down Pump and Ladder Division A Event
• 3rd for the Wet Hose and Ladder (11 – 13 Years) Event
The Irrewarra A 11-13 team was also awarded the Gil O’Connell Encouragement Award for their outstanding effort.
A total of 73 teams competed in the 54th Senior State Championships and 84 teams competed in the 32nd Junior State Championships.
“The Championships highlight the dedication of the Irrewarra and Beeac CFA Brigade members, and help our local volunteers build camaraderie with volunteers across the state,” Ms Tierney said.
Ms Tierney said that the events simulated many of the tasks a fire-fighter must undertake while promoting teamwork, health and well-being among junior levels.
“The Championships have traditionally encouraged members to increase and maintain physical fitness and improve basic fire equipment-handling skills, and it’s fantastic to see our local volunteers perform so well.
“The months since the Black Saturday have been challenging for our CFA volunteers across the state, and I, along with the rest of the community, am extremely thankful for their unwavering commitment in the days and weeks after the fires.
“Volunteers are not only vital in a crisis, they are valued for the work they do all year to prepare, educate and protect the community.”
Ms Tierney said the Brumby Labor Government had also doubled the funds available for Community Safety Emergency Support Program grants to $6.8 million in 2010/11, giving volunteer emergency services groups access to vital equipment and upgrades.
“The Brumby Labor Government has invested in a record emergency services budget and is proud to have the CFA boasting one of the largest volunteer-based emergency services in the world,” she said.