Jai Smith in action for Stawell
CFA is encouraging brigades across Victoria to register a team for the upcoming 2026 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships in Stawell.
After 20 years, CFA's showcase event returns to the historic North Park Oval with the Urban Junior competition kicking off on 21-22 March, followed by the Urban Senior, Rural Junior and Rural Senior events on 28-29 March.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it's great to see the event come back to western Victoria after five successful years in Mooroopna.
"After several consecutive challenging fire seasons in the west, this is an opportunity to come together, reflect on the strength of our people, and celebrate what CFA does best," Jason said.
"One organisation, one competition and everyone's welcome."
For 18-year-old Stawell Fire Brigade member Jai Smith, getting involved in the Championships was a key step in his CFA journey.
Jai joined CFA at just 14 years old through the junior development program before progressing into the senior competition.
"Champs is where I learnt a lot early on, both on and off the track," Jai said.
"It gave me confidence, helped me build skills, and introduced me to people right across CFA."
Now an operational firefighter, Jai has been deployed on multiple strike teams across western Victoria in recent fire seasons, including recent deployments to Skipton and Natimuk during the January bushfires.
He now plays an active role in supporting and mentoring younger members in the brigade.
"When you've been involved from a young age, you want to help the next group coming through," Jai said.
"Champs gives younger members something to aim for and a way to feel part of the brigade early on."
Jai said having the Championships return to Stawell would be an important moment for the town and the wider Northern Grampians region.
"It'll bring the community alive across both weekends," Jai said.
"I'm not old enough to remember the last time State Champs came to Stawell, so for younger members seeing it in their own backyard makes a big difference.
"If you're on the fence about registering a team, just give it a go, it's a great chance to compete, have fun and meet people from all over the state.
"We can't wait for competition to begin."
Brigades interested in competing in the 2026 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships are encouraged to register their teams, with entries open now via the VFBV website.
Entries close Sunday 15 February.
