Echuca Fire Brigade juniors gallantly conquered long-time winners of the CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships over the weekend, becoming champions for the very first time.
Thousands gathered in Stawell over both days (21-22 March) to take part in the festivities and was a welcomed buzz to town after a 10-year hiatus.
There was an opening parade, remarks from CFA Acting CEO Jason Heffernan and VFBV State President Samantha Collins.
Echuca A came in first, taking the top spot from Melton A who have held it for the past five years.
Coach of the team Jordan Simpson said the win was a special moment for the team.
"It has been a long time coming," Jordan said.
"We have been training twice a week since the start of October, so the kids have really put in the hard work, and they get to come home with the trophy.
"This is also the first year it's been further away from home, so we all got to travel and stay together down there which was really fun.
"All the kids get along really well so that makes the win even more special - getting to do it with your best friends."
It was also a competition to remember for Creswick Fire Brigade who restarted their juniors program this year and made a splash picking up places in numerous events and placing ninth overall.
Coach Jason Hand said it was a great opportunity to get the young ones out on the track and excited about being a part of the brigade.
"We have had a few demos already with the team, but this is the first time they are all together," Jason said.
"Most are keen to run again next year and they are all trying to get friends involved too.
"We have under fourteens and under seventeens and they've all loved it."
CFA Acting Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic congratulated all the competitors and thanked those who worked hard behind the scenes to see the event come to life.
"It was fantastic to see the Juniors battle it out over the weekend but more importantly, it's great seeing the camaraderie between brigades and the skills of our future firefighters being showcased to thousands of spectators," Alen said.
"I look forward to seeing everyone again this weekend . May the best team win!"
Grand Aggregate result
1st place: Echuca A
2nd place: Melton A
3rd place: Grovedale A
A full list of results can be found on the VFBV website. Members can find out more information about the Urban Senior, Rural Junior and Senior State Firefighter Championships taking place next weekend on the CFA website.
The 2026 State Firefighter Championships are supported by the Victorian Government.
