Port Macquarie 1996: The Hosts Take Charge

Port Macquarie 1996 Champion pin [Courtesy of John Hand]

The Firefighter Championships began as 'Demonstrations' or 'Demos', where fire brigades exhibited their skills to the local community. Events in the Demos were based on real situations firefighters faced daily and were designed to highlight their talent and expertise, whilst having the extra benefit of being a form of training.

This week, our Championship historian and guest blogger John Hand takes us back to 1996, when Port Macquarie hosted the State Championships for the sixth time, and made the most of home turf.

A Strong Start for the Hosts

With over 100 NSWFB and visiting teams entering the 1996 State Championships a busy and competitive week of competition for both the established and newer teams was ensured. Port Macquarie began the week the way they meant to go on, winning the first two events: the Scaling Ladder, and the Hose & Hydrant One Competitor Event, where Captain Ashley Roods took the honours. Canowindra's second place in the Scaling Ladder left them second to Port at the end of the first day, the same two positions the pair would hold at the end of the week.

Richard Hodge of Canowindra won his eighth straight Ladder Practice title, though not without a scare. Victoria's Russell Lambourn, competing as a guest, bettered his time, which meant Richard's title stood. Port Macquarie and Blackheath each picked up a win in the 600 Gallon Collector and Hose & Hydrant events.

Tuesday Under the Lights

Tuesday was a long day of competition. South Grafton won both motor events during the day, and after dark the two cart and reel events were run under lights, with Finley winning both.

Wednesday was a rest day, giving competitors and their families the chance to enjoy their time in the popular destination.

The Museum of Fire’s popular display featuring a number of historic appliances and equipment, saw competitors, their families and visitors learning of the rich history of the NSWFB (FRNSW) [Museum of Fire Collection]

The Race for the Alfred Webb Cup

South Grafton showed they were in contention for the Alfred Webb Cup by winning both team events on Thursday. That same day, Blackheath's combination of Delosa and Nankervis won the Hose & Hydrant Two Competitor event, pushing 1992 and 1994 winners Kempnich and O'Bree of Port Macquarie into second place.

Friday began with Port Macquarie, Canowindra and South Grafton all still in the hunt for the Cup. Port Macquarie's record-breaking run in the Hose Reel & Ladder put the others' aspirations aside, and after the hosts went on to win the Bedford 450 Gallon Suction on Saturday, they were convincing winners of the prestigious trophy.

A Veteran Returns to the Dais

Peter Nankervis of Blackheath was a member of the NW3 team that won the Veterans 450 Suction Event. His return to the dais spanned 42 years: he won the Hose & Hydrant Event in 1954, and the Ladder Practice in 1960 and 1962. A fitting reward for Peter was joining Commissioner Mac Dougall for the closing ceremony.

Quirindi was awarded the Piggott-Stinson Trophy for consistent performance over the two years leading into the State Championship. In the new brigades section, Narrandera, appearing after a break of 20 years, took the win ahead of Queanbeyan, Saratoga, Wyong and Lightning Ridge.

Port Macquarie Championships 1996 [Museum of Fire Collection]

The Final Tally

Port Macquarie won the aggregate with 112 points, followed by Canowindra (75), South Grafton (74), Finley (53) and Bathurst (40).

It was Port Macquarie's fourth State Championship title. Having won in 1994, they went on to win again in 1998 and 2000, making four consecutive titles and a total of six.

Story by Championship Historian, John Hand