Members of the Glenlyon Brigade during a training session
For the first time in more than 40 years, Glenlyon Fire Brigade will field a running team at the VFBV CFA State Firefighter Championships next month.
The brigade will be among 106 teams from across Victoria competing at North Park Oval in Stawell, across two weekends kicking off 21-22 March and concluding 28-29 March.
Glenlyon Fire Brigade member and chief organiser Jessica Newton said the decision to return to competition was driven by a desire to strengthen the social side of the brigade.
"When we realised Glenlyon hadn't fielded a senior running team since the 70s or a junior team since the 80s, bringing it back felt like a chance to reconnect with that history, but also to create something new for our current members," Jessica said.
"We went along and watched a local competition, and the atmosphere was great and really excited some of our younger members.
"It was competitive, but it was also social and inclusive, and that's something we've been trying to build within the brigade.
"We needed equipment, so a group of our younger adult members made a road trip to Landsborough to collect a running trailer made available through District 16."
After securing some equipment, organising training was next on the agenda.
"We were invited to watch a training session in Maiden Gully, which helped us set expectations and gave us a clear picture of what training should look like," Jessica said.
The brigade has now gathered 13 senior and 10 junior runners, with training now well underway.
"Once people actually had a go, that's when it really clicked. There's been a lot of excitement, and you can feel it after training.
"People are talking, laughing, and genuinely looking forward to the next session.
"We're not expecting trophies. For us, it's about having fun, building another social layer within the brigade, and getting more life at the station. That's already happening, which feels like a win.
"Everyone's really excited about getting to Stawell."
