2022 Firefighter Championships underway - vision available - Port Macquarie

Published: 21 Oct 2022 04:25pm

The State’s best firefighters are battling it out at the 2022 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) State Firefighter Championship, currently underway in Port Macquarie.

More than 60 FRNSW on-call firefighters from 15 different fire stations across NSW as well as representatives from the NSW Rural Fire Service and Victorian Country Fire Authority, are competing in the three-day event at Westport Park.

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams is encouraging the community to be part of the Championship, which is held every two years, by watching the competition and talking to firefighters about their jobs.

“On-call firefighters respond to emergencies from work or home and play a vital role in ensuring the safety of people, property and the environment across hundreds of regional communities in NSW,” Mrs Williams said.

“They are trained and equipped to deal with the same emergencies as full-time firefighters and are dedicated and passionate about what they do, and you can witness that skill and commitment first hand in Port Macquarie.

“FRNSW firefighters are regularly recognised on the national and international stage as being among the most highly trained in the world and I know our community is enjoying seeing these skills showcased.”

FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the Championship provides firefighters with a unique opportunity to work together and develop their operational skills.

“Although firefighters train for months and there is a strong competitive streak within the stations to prove who the top team is, the championship has the more serious purpose of honing skills that are critical in real emergencies,” Commissioner Baxter said.

“It’s also the perfect opportunity for firefighters to build comradery, develop friendships with their fellow colleagues and other services personnel.”

The competition tests the skills, professionalism and training of regional firefighters, with events simulating a range of fire and rescue situations.

The Championship is being held at Westport Park, corner Buller and Park Street, Port Macquarie and will conclude tomorrow (Saturday 22 October) at 2.00pm. Entry is free.

Editor’s note:
Footage and images of Wyong team preparing for State Firefighter championships available here - 20221021 Firefighter Championships preview - Google Drive - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10sysjVZUzwqzIn887-pqBJ8zdqzvSUMn?usp=sharing [external link]

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