Local NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers took part in the Hawkesbury District's Annual Championships last Sunday, August 31 at Macquarie Park.
More than nine brigades competed in a variety of events throughout the day that were designed to test their skills.
These events included a simulated car accident, fires involving gas and hose and hydrant relays.
Brigade stations and trucks were also assessed on their overall cleanliness and operational readiness.
“These days are important, not only from a social aspect, but for our volunteers test their skills against members from other brigades and their mates," district manager, Superintendent Karen Hodges said.
“Brigades work hard in the lead up to these days in order to be the best they can be. This can only be a positive thing for our community leading into this year’s bush fire season."
The day also involved the Hawkesbury SES unit, who assisted in the car accident scenario providing advice to firefighters on how to care for casualties and victims of trauma.
“We often work alongside our counterparts from the NSW SES at a number of motor vehicle accidents and rescue incidents across the Hawkesbury,” Superintendent Hodges said.
NSW RFS Cadets were also in action competing in a number of events such as response drills and pumping relays.
These teams included Hawkesbury High, Colo High, Oakville and Plumpton Rural Fire Brigades.
“We are proud to have such a strong cadet programme in the Hawkesbury and surrounding areas,” said Superintendent Hodges.
The traditional ‘Tug of War’ battle took place at the end of the events with Hawkesbury District’s local Chaplain, Greg Symons, presiding.
NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Steve Yorke was present to congratulate members and hand over the keys of a new tanker to Oakville Rural Fire Brigade’s Captain, Peter Speet.
Superintendent Hodges also accepted the keys to a new bulk water carrier on behalf of all brigades within the district.
“These new vehicles are replacing older style models and will allow firefighters to continue providing a high level of emergency service to the residents in the Hawkesbury area,” she said.
Superintendent Hodges also thanked a number of organisations for assisting in the organisation of the day, including Hawkesbury SES, Hawkesbury City Council and the NSW Rural Fire Service Association.
RESULTS
Senior events:
Overall
1st – Tennyson Rural Fire Brigade
2nd – Freemans Reach Rural Fire Brigade
3rd – Colo Heights and Upper Colo Rural Fire Brigades (composite team)
4th – Grose Wold Rural Fire Brigade
Motor Vehicle Accident Event
1st – Tennyson
2nd – Blaxland Ridge
3rd – Upper Colo and Colo Heights (composite)
4th – Freemans Reach
Hose and Hydrant
1st – Oakville
2nd – Tennyson
3rd – Upper Colo and Colo Heights (composite)
4th – Freemans Reach
Gas Attack Exercise
1st – Blaxland Ridge
2nd – Grose Wold
3rd – Lower Portland
Tanker Inspections
1st – Tennyson
2nd – Headquarters,Grose Wold & Freemans Reach
3rd – Lower Portland
4th – Blaxland Ridge
Station Inspections
1st – Grose Wold
2nd – St Albans
3rd – Freemans Reach
4th – East Kurrajong
JUNIOR EVENTS
Junior Portable Pump Relay
1st – Oakville
2nd – Grose Vale and Plumpton (composite)
3rd – Colo High 1
4th – Plumpton 1
Junior Station Response Drill
1st – Colo High 1
2nd – Colo High 2
3rd - Oakville
4th – Grose Vale and Plumpton (composite)
Junior Hydrant & Hose
1st – Oakville
2nd – Colo High 2
3rd –Grose Vale and Plumpton (composite)
4th – Hawkesbury High 1
Mens Tug 0f War
Winners – Oakville
Ladies Tug of War
Winners -Oakville and Headquarters (composite)
Junior Tug of War
Winners – Hawkesbury High
