Tamworth 1986: A State Demonstration to Remember

Brigades assembled for the Official Opening [Museum of Fire Collection]

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 1986 for the Tamowrth State Championships.

Forty years ago, the fire brigades of Tamworth and neighbouring West Tamworth proudly hosted the NSW Volunteer Fire Brigades State Demonstration, a major event on the firefighting calendar that brought together brigades from across the state. While many remember Tamworth for its music festival, in October 1986 it became the centre of competitive firefighting in New South Wales.

Tamworth was no stranger to the honour. The city had previously hosted the 1937 State Demonstration, and in 1986 it once again welcomed competitors, officials and supporters for six days of spirited rivalry and camaraderie from 20 to 25 October.

Competition at Scully Park

The main events were held at Scully Park in West Tamworth, where brigades assembled for the Official Opening before launching into a packed program of traditional firefighting competitions. Official functions and social gatherings took place at the West Tamworth Leagues Club, providing an opportunity for firefighters and their families to connect off the field.

The NSWFB Band and Precision Marching Team entertained on the final day of the Demonstration and at the Saturday evening function [Museum of Fire Collection]

The 1986 Demonstration showcased events deeply rooted in firefighting history. Four major competitions reflected the long-standing traditions of brigade skill and teamwork:

• Hose Cart

• Hose Cart & Ladder

• Hose Reel

• Hose Reel & Ladder

By 1986, these events already represented decades of competitive heritage. In later years, the Hose Cart events would have their final run in 2000, and the Hose Reel events would last appear in 2006.

Teams underway in the Hose Reel Event [Museum of Fire Collection]

Single competitor events also tested individual skill and precision. These included Ladder Practice, Portable Extinguisher, Alarm & Rescue, and Hose & Hydrant. Points were awarded to the first five placegetters in each team event (16, 10, 6, 4 and 2 points respectively), with half points awarded in the individual events.

Finley’s Fifth Victory

The 1986 Demonstration marked a significant achievement for Finley Fire Brigade, whose win secured their fifth Alfred Webb Cup. They had previously claimed victory in 1970, 1972, 1974 and 1976, cementing their place as one of the competition’s most successful teams.

The Alfred Webb Cup itself carries deep historical significance. Named in honour of Alfred Webb, Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigades/NSW Fire Brigades from 1888 to 1913, the trophy represents excellence in volunteer firefighting competition.

The 1986 event was the 22nd State Demonstration since the first was held at Wagga Wagga in 1932. At that time, just seven brigades had their names inscribed on the cup. After 40 State Demonstrations and Championships, that number has doubled, fourteen brigade names now appear on the historic trophy.

Fire Commissioner Reg Down puts the finishing touches to the final aggregate points score [Museum of Fire Collection]

Looking Ahead to 2026

The legacy of 1986 continues to resonate strongly today. In a fitting tribute to their proud history, Tamworth and West Tamworth Fire Brigades will once again host the first Regional Championships of 2026, on 7–8. Tamworth will again become a gathering place for teamwork, skill and friendly rivalry. The 2026 Regional Championships promise to celebrate both the traditions of the past and the future of firefighting competition in regional New South Wales, a powerful reminder that the spirit seen in 1986 is still very much alive today.

Acknowledgement to Fire News January 1987 for the photos included.

-Story by Championship Historian, John Hand