March 31st, 2025Gisborne juniors making tracks at State Championships
More than 900 firefighters have been competing in the 2025 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships held over the past two weekends.
Held at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, CFA junior running teams from across the state have showcased their skills in the Urban Junior State Championships that were held on 22 and 23 March.
And over the past weekend the Senior Urban, Senior Rural and Junior Rural events were held on 29 and 30 March.
Running for the second year in a row, was Gisborne Fire Brigade’s junior team. Following a 12-year hiatus, Gisborne returned stronger than ever, under the watchful eye of former runner and coach for the brigade Bruce Harker.
Bruce is passionate about the sport and ran for almost 45 years. He has been guiding Asher, Nick, Zack and Lincoln who also recently won the under-17 aggregates at Geelong.
“This is the first time in the brigade’s history we have had a junior running team,” Bruce said.
“I’m quite pleased how they’ve gone this year and there’s a lot of pride for me in the success of the team.
“The brigade has been running since the 1960s, and we were unbeatable for a while. It’s great to have a team back competing.”
Asher Kroon one of the team’s founding members loves the sport and how many opportunities it has given him.
“I think everyone should do it, I have learnt a lot of valuable skills, especially the teamwork aspect,” Asher said.
“I love all the long drives and places I get to see as part of competing.”
Asher also wants to see more people put their hand up to participate.
“We’ve done really well this year,” Asher said.
“We only have four people which is the minimum to compete. Even though it isn’t a sport you’d normally consider we would love more people to join.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the State Championships are an important tradition for CFA members and regional communities.
“The Championships are always one of my favourite events in the calendar. They are a great display of the skills, dedication and enthusiasm of our members in a fun environment,” Jason said.
“It’s always a great place to see the camaraderie among our brigades, their families and the broader community.
Attendees also enjoyed food and drink vans, firefighting equipment and training demonstrations, CFA programs and education hubs, award presentations and much more.
Events at the State Championships are based on practical firefighting activities, with a focus on physical fitness, teamwork and equipment skills using hoses, hydrants and other tools.
For more information and updates on results from the recent CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/champs.
This story based on a CFA report. Image: Supplied, CFA
