CFA cadet has fire in the belly

Alex de Vos
Junior CFA volunteer Levi Wells can’t wait to showcase his firefighting skills to judges at the Australian National Fire Cadet Championships in Sydney this weekend.
Fresh from last week’s state finals in Swan Hill, the 14-year-old Drysdale volunteer said he was looking forward to participating in the “skirt competition” and “meeting new people along the way”.
“I’m really excited – I’ve never been to Sydney before,” Levi said.
“I can’t wait to compete against other volunteers and just have some fun.”
Levi said he joined CFA’s Region 7 unit two years ago along with the rest of his family.
Despite his interest in firefighting, Levi said he treated his membership as “a bit of a hobby” rather than a prospective career.
“We get to go to different places, learn new skills and meet other people,” he said.
“It’s a lot of fun.”
This year, three Victorian teams comprising 20 CFA junior members and eight senior members will compete against 25 national teams for the coveted Australian Cadet Championship title.
Championship director Anthony Head said the five-day biennial event would include training, competition and social activities.
“Teams will compete in 11 events over two days of competition that will test the cadets’ firefighting skills and teamwork,” Mr Head said.
“Events will range from two-person hose and hydrant drill to the unique relay pumping.”
The competition kicks off in Penrith today and continues tomorrow.