Wheatbelt volunteer fire fighting in safe hands, Davies

Author: Mia Davies
Published on: 29-November-2011

Member for the Agricultural Region Mia Davies said the future of Wheatbelt volunteer fire fighting was bright after attending the State Junior Championships in Fremantle over the weekend.

Teams from Northam, Merredin and Kellerberrin competed against 15 other brigades from across the State in a set of rigorous challenges including hydrant races, sprints, hose disabling and hose draining.

The three Wheatbelt teams took their place in the Championships after winning through at the recent Regional Zone Championships.

Ms Davies said the volunteers, aged 11-17 years, impressed with their levels of endurance, speed, teamwork and leadership.

“The teams, made up of young men and women, showcased an array of professional fire fighting skills which were backed up by an impressive level of fitness and general common sense and maturity,” Ms Davies said.

“The recent events in Margaret River have highlighted the importance of volunteer fire brigades in regional areas, and from what I saw on the weekend, the Wheatbelt will be in safe hands if these young people chose to continue on into the senior ranks.”

Ms Davies said the communities of Northam, Merredin and Kellerberrin had fundraised to enable their junior teams to take part in the Championships.

“The volunteers, their families, local business and the wider community all pitched in to provide these talented young people the chance to put their learned skills into action.”

Of all the competing teams Kellerberrin had the largest contingent with 44 competitors.

“Quite impressive considering the population of the Shire of Kellerberrin is only 1182,” Ms Davies said.