Wyong 2016: A Championship of Competition, Community and Change

Guest Author
2 days ago
4 min read

Wyong State Championship, 27-29 October 2016 [Photo courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW]

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 2016, when the spotlight turned to Wyong as the brigade hosted the 37th State Championships. The event brought together 29 teams from across Australia and beyond. Brigades from Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service, firefighters from New Zealand, and the Women and Firefighting Australasia converged for three days of competition, connection and celebration.

A Championship with Meaning

The 2016 Championship carried particular significance as it marked the final State Championship attended by Fire and Rescue NSW’s Commissioner Greg Mullins AFSM before his retirement in 2017. Reflecting on his long-standing support for firefighter competitions, he recalled a discussion with the late Captain Neil Brooker AFSM at the Lane Cove bushfires in 1994.

“That brief discussion on the fireground encapsulates for me the huge benefits that come from the Firefighter Championships… From that day in 1994 I became, and remain, a huge supporter of Championships, and for very good reason…in my handover brief to whoever is chosen to succeed me… is to make sure you support the FCA – the small investment in dollar terms is repaid tenfold.”

This brief exchange with the late Captain Neil Brooker AFSM on the fireground left a lasting impression. It shaped his strong advocacy for the Championships. For Mullins, that moment highlighted the real-world value of the skills, teamwork and relationships built through competition. He later emphasised this in his leadership, noting that support for firefighter championships was not just worthwhile, but essential.

Three Days of Action and Entertainment

Held over three days, 27 - 29 October, the Championship featured a full program of events that extended well beyond the track. Spectators and competitors were treated to a dynamic mix of firefighting displays and entertainment. Friday night delivered a standout combination of fireworks and a spectacular firefighting demonstration, setting the tone for the weekend. The celebrations continued into Saturday, culminating in the presentation evening and a performance by the Fire Brigade Band. Their performance once again showcased why they are so highly regarded.

The Fire and Rescue NSW Band playing at the Wyong State Championship, 27-29 October 2016 [Photo courtesy of John Hand]

New Faces and Strong Returns

The 2016 Championship also welcomed several teams either competing for the first time or returning after a ten year absence. These included Dubbo, Lawson, Mittagong, Merrylands and The Entrance.

Of these, Dubbo stood out as the strongest performer, leading the field of newcomers and proving that fresh and returning teams could quickly make their mark on the competition stage.

Breaking New Ground

One of the most significant milestones of the 2016 Championship came through the continued progress of women in firefighting competitions. Teams from Women and Firefighting Australasia demonstrated impressive skill and determination across the events, reinforcing their important role in promoting inclusion within the fire services.

History was made when Cassandra Dickson of Bega became part of the Championship’s most successful team. This marked the first time a woman firefighter had been a member of an Alfred Webb Cup winning team at a State Championship, an achievement that remains a landmark moment. 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.

Dickson’s success followed that of Wyong’s Judith Alderdice, who had been part of two State Championship winning events at Kelso in 2014. Together, these milestones reflect a period of meaningful change and growing representation within the competition arena.

A Close Contest

After three days of intense and closely fought competition, Bega emerged as the overall winner, claiming the prestigious Alfred Webb Cup. Their victory was hard earned, with NSW Rural Fire Service team Kootingal finishing a close second. The final standings saw Kelso, Nowra and Wyong round out the top five, highlighting the depth of talent and determination across all competing teams.

Cassandra Dickson, Trent Smith, Clinton Towill and Gerard Hanscombe, proudly displaying their collection of trophies as 2016 State Champions. Bega became just the twelfth team to win the Alfred Webb Cup since the introduction of State Demonstrations/Championships in 1932, at this the 37th State Championship. [Photo courtesy of John Hand] — Cassandra Dickson, Trent Smith, Clinton Towill and Gerard Hanscombe, proudly displaying their collection of trophies as 2016 State Champions. Bega became just the twelfth team to win the Alfred Webb Cup since the introduction of State Demonstrations/Championships in 1932, at this the 37^th State Championship. [Photo courtesy of John Hand]

A Lasting Impact

The 2016 Wyong State Championship stands as a powerful example of what firefighter competitions represent at their best. It highlights skill, teamwork, innovation and community spirit. From Commissioner Mullins’ reflections on the fireground to the historic achievements on the track, the event captured both the tradition and evolution of firefighting in Australia. It reinforced the enduring importance of these Championships as vital opportunities to build capability, connection and pride across the fire services.

-Story by Championship Historian, John Hand