Media Releases

More than 1,000 firefighters from around Victoria and interstate will battle it out in a test of endurance and skill at the 129th annual Senior State Urban Fire Brigade Championships, today.

Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan, Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell said 71 teams, including some from Western Australia and New South Wales, would take part in the friendly games at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.

“These games not only simulate many of the tasks a firefighter must undertake, but also promote teamwork, health and well-being among members,” Mrs Powell said.

“They also help to build great friendships by bringing like-minded people together from all across the country.”

Mrs Powell said the games were organised by the Mooroopna/Shepparton Fire Brigades’ Championship Committee, under the auspices of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, with an aim to build team spirit, develop individual and team skills and promote camaraderie among brigades, volunteers and their families.

“The committee and members of the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria have contributed a great deal of time and effort to put on these games, over and above an already significant commitment to their brigades,” Mrs Powell said.

“This is testament to the dedication and tenacity of volunteer firefighters who always go above and beyond the call of duty for the benefit of their communities.”

Minister Ryan said the friendly championships were a great example of the dedication and commitment shown by CFA volunteer members.

“The Coalition Government is proud of the vital role brigade members play in the community and we are committed to supporting the CFA to continue to protect Victoria,” Mr Ryan said.

“I commend these volunteers who already juggle regular training, brigade duties, family and other commitments to give back to their communities.”

Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell is encouraging residents in the Shepparton district to attend a community information session on Thursday August 25 to find out more information about planned burns in Victoria’s parks and forests.

Mrs Powell said the community information session would be one of many held across the state.

“The government is committed to consulting with the community about fire operations plans and committed to letting the community know where and when controlled burns will occur within a region,” Mrs Powell said.

“The proposed new fire management zones for public land will be displayed at the meeting and public comment will be sought.”

“I would encourage residents who know the area very well and have something to contribute about proposed changes to the zones to attend the meeting if possible.”

Each district in the state will develop a Fire Operations Plan for the coming three years which shows planned burns and other fire prevention works such as slashing, track works and construction of fire breaks.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment Fire Operations Plans are developed in consultation with communities, special interest groups, local councils, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, forest managers, CFA, flora and fauna specialists and any other parties that register interest.

The Shepparton meeting is at the CFA Region 22 office, Numurkah Rd, Shepparton, on August 25, from 9am to 1pm.

If unable to attend the meeting, residents can view the plans online at www.dse.vic.gov.au, phone 136 186 or visit their local DSE or Parks Victoria Office. Comments will be received until 29 August 2011.