Yarra Valley Group Olympics

Going for gold

In late January brigades from Yarra Valley Group got together for their annual Firefighter Olympics. The Yarra Valley Olympics started more than 10 years ago when Wandin Fire Brigade member Andrew Webber launched the event. Andrew, who’s been a brigade member for more than 40 years, was inspired by his father. “My father used to be part of the Lilydale Group and was involved with a family day they used to run,” Andrew said.

“I remember going when I was a young boy. The day was a way for brigades and the community to come together and practise in different team events. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to get brigades together in a fun environment,” Andrew added. This year brigades from Wandin, Wesburn/ Millgrove, Gruyere, Hillcrest, Warburton, Yarra Junction, Silvan and Yellingbo attended the event at Wandin East Oval. A range of timed, team and individual games took place. Games included hose bowling, bucket relay, target push (joining multiple hoses together to push a target the furthest distance in the quickest time), hydrant key relay and draughting (using a wheelie bin as a water source to pass through a hose and knock down a target in the quickest time). “The events are a combination of different exercises we complete as firefighters,” Andrew said. “It allows us to test our basic skills in a friendly competition.

“The games finish with a tug of war between all brigades. Eight members represent each team in a knockout competition. It’s a great way to end the day.” After all the games were finished and the scores tallied, the winning brigade was awarded the Yarra Valley Olympics trophy which it retains for the year. “This year’s winner was Silvan Fire Brigade,” Andrew said. “But the real winners were all the brigades that attended and the communities they serve. It’s a great way to keep our skills up and network with other brigades. “Deployments are made up of a range of members throughout the Yarra Valley Group and it’s great to know you’ll be on the frontline with familiar faces. “The community knows we will always work as a team, regardless of the name on the truck.”