For the first time in their history, all CFA / VFBV State Championship events are scheduled for the same venue on consecutive weekends in March 2021.
Planning is already well underway for Mooroopna 2021 to ensure the events are run in a COVID safe and child safe manner.
The Junior Urban Championships, which were to be held in Horsham, are now scheduled to be held at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve in Mooroopna on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March.
The Senior Urban, and Senior and Junior Rural Championships will take place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 March 2021 at the same venue.
Brigades should start looking for accommodation immediately and make their travel arrangements in a COVID safe way. A list of accommodation is available on the CFA intranet.
More detailed information regarding accommodation and transport will be posted in the Championships section of the CFA intranet in coming weeks and will be updated regularly.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, both weekend events will be classed as outdoor sporting events for CFA members / families and supporters / contractors / suppliers only.
CFA and VFBV would like to thank Horsham Fire Brigade and their Championships committee for their dedication and hard work in the planning and work done for the 2021 Championships. The Junior Urban Championships were held in Horsham in 2012, 2015 and 2020.
Acting Executive Director, Volunteers and Capability, DCO Peter O’Keefe said COVID-19 means significant changes will have to be made to the way the events are run.
“CFA and VFBV are working closely with the City of Greater Shepparton, the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and the Chief Health Officer to ensure that the events are approved and can be undertaken in a safe way” he said.
“We are looking forward to making this a great opportunity for CFA members to reconnect after what has been a difficult time for many.”
VFBV CEO Adam Barnett said the decision to hold the Junior Championships in March, and a week prior to the Senior Urban & Senior and Junior Rural championships, is an unprecedented one.
“While this will be the first time all three State Championships have been held on successive weekends, it demonstrates the flexibility and agility that CFA members are renowned for, and how our service constantly adapts to any new challenges put before it.” he said.
“Championship events are an important part of who we are, our traditions and our commitment to firefighter safety. They play an important role in brigade discipline and morale as well as providing a terrific opportunity for members and families to come together to celebrate the incredible work that our volunteers do for their communities throughout the year.”
Further advice will be provided to coaches and teams to support them to hone their skills and teamwork ready for the Championships within current COVID-19 guidance and restrictions.
In the meantime, save these dates in your diary.
• Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March 2021 - Urban Junior State Championships, Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, Midland Highway, Mooroopna.
• Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 March 2021 - Urban Senior and Rural Senior and Junior State Championships, Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, Midland Highway, Mooroopna.
