CFA-VFBV Firefighter State Championships will feature two women-only Marshall events in Mooroopna next month for the first time in the State Championship’s 147 year history.
The Marshall event is a traditional event first introduced into urban championships in the 1890’s by a former Chief Officer TS Marshall. The event was designed to assist in the training of volunteers in the coupling and uncoupling of hoses, setting hydrants and fixing branches without using any water in the quickest time possible.
The Championships will be held in Mooroopna on 28 and 29 March, 2020, combining the Urban Seniors, Rural Seniors and Rural Juniors separately across the two-day event.
Deputy Chief Officer Stephanie Rotarangi encouraged female volunteer members to get involved in this year’s two women-only Marshall events.
“The landmark introduction of the women-only events is a welcome addition to the Championships this year,” Dr Rotarangi said.
“These events will give CFA’s female volunteers an opportunity to showcase their operational and teamwork skills, particularly in the two-competitor Marshall event.”
Pakenham Fire Brigade member and Championships veteran, Samantha White, said she’s hoping to be a part of the State Championship’s first women’s Marshall events and has already been hard at work in preparation and training.
“The introduction of the women-only events is a great way to promote the skills and interests of the talented females within the CFA across the state,” Ms White said.
“It’s a fantastic way to encourage all females within the sport to participate, while also providing opportunities for them to succeed in their own events.
“The Championships is a good way of having fun and being involved within the Brigade while also enjoying some friendly competition among like-minded CFA members.”
Female competitors have the option to either participate in the one-competitor Marshall event or pair up with a fellow team mate in the two-competitor Marshall event.
The 28-year-old said she and her team’s training regime is well underway in the lead up to next year’s Championships in Mooroopna.
“We’ve all been working hard, training two to three times a week,” she said.
“It’s all about sharpening our skills to ensure clean work and a quick time on the day.”
Ms White has been competing at these events since she was a junior at just 11 years old.
“My family has competed in the Championships through-out the decades and has supported my love for the sport which has compelled me to continue on as well” she said.
“I love the social aspect of the Championships and the friendships you make, maintain and create every year. Every year we are trying to prove to each other that our Brigade can run the quickest time in each event compared to the other brigades which makes it great to watch.”
