Stawell will host the Country Fire Authority and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria State Firefighter Championships in March next year. 

After a weekend of traditions and surprises at the urban junior championships at Mooroopna, where Melton won for the fifth consecutive year, it was announced Stawell would be the new location in 2026.

Thousands gathered for the Mooroopna event and were welcomed to the competition with an opening parade, as well as special guests, Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward, CFA board chair Jo Plummer, and VFBV state president Samantha Collins. 

Stawell captain Mal Nicholson said the brigade was chuffed to have the championships move to their town.

“We ran the state championships in Stawell in 1995, 2000 and 2006 so it will be great to have people back in the town supporting the area, especially after the bushfires over the Christmas period,” he said.

“We know the Stawell community and Northern Grampians Shire will get behind us to make the 2026 state championships a fantastic event. See you all in Stawell next year.”

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