Firefighting Teams Gear Up for Regional Championships in Swansea

newy.com.au – Firefighting teams from across New South Wales and beyond will descend on Swansea this weekend for the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Regional Firefighter Championships. Seventeen teams, including crews from Trangie, Ulladulla and Victoria’s Echuca, will compete in the two-day event at Quinn Park on 28 and 29 June.

The championship tests the skills and coordination of firefighters through events like “Urban Pumper Collector and Ladder”, “Booster Valve and High-Rise Bag” and “Rescue”. Teams of four will demonstrate speed, precision and teamwork in a series of drills designed to replicate real-world emergency scenarios.

The competition features strong representation from across the state, with teams entered from Kelso, Kootingal Rural Fire Service, Rutherford, Saratoga, Terrigal, The Entrance, and multiple entries from Wangi Wangi, Wyoming and Wyong. Notably, Echuca Country Fire Authority, the reigning State Champions, will field three teams, Echuca A, B and C in memory of former teammate Nathan Taylor.

The Official Opening Ceremony will commence at 9:30am on Saturday, and both spectators and media are invited to attend the event.

FRNSW Acting Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations, David Felton, said the championships offer more than just competition. “This competition unites firefighters from across the state with our southern neighbours, and perhaps most importantly, tests and equips them with skills they can take back to their community,” he said.

“I’m delighted to see more firefighters getting involved and taking on the challenge,” Mr Felton added. “Our hosts, Wangi Wangi, first attended the competition at Coffs Harbour in 1972 and have hosted several Championships here at Swansea. At the end of the day, everyone is here to learn to better protect their communities, but I think the friendly rivalry between teams makes it all the more fun.”