Local Country Fire Service cadets recently took 
part in a regional challenge designed to test their firefighting skills.

Nine teams of cadets from throughout Region 5 gathered in Naracoorte to compete in the first Regional Cadet Championships in over 20 years.

More than 40 cadets competed in four firefighting skill-based drills and communication skills throughout the day to determine the champion team for 2023.

The event results were determined on the time taken to complete the drill plus any penalties added for not meeting the set criteria of the drill.

The skill level displayed by the cadets throughout the events took many by surprise with the judges having nothing but praise for the efforts shown by the cadets.

Team 1 from the Naracoorte brigade proved to be the dominant team on the day, placing in every event to be crowned the championship winners and the first ever winner of the ‘Jason Druwitt Trophy’.

The trophy has been named in honour of Regional Commander Jason Druwitt and was selected by the cadets and cadet leaders as an acknowledgement of the support that Mr Druwitt has given to the building of the cadet program across the region.

Strong performances across all events by the teams from the Kingsley and Lacepede Groups resulted in them taking out second and third place respectively.

Success was not confined to these three teams with at least one team from each of the different brigades competing placing in at least one of the events.

A highlight of the day was the presence of ‘Ronald the Snake’ with the teams from Naracoorte.

Ronald is over 40 years old and was the team mascot for both senior and cadet teams competing in championships many years ago.

A special presentation was made at the end of the championships by Director Regional Services and Operations Scott Turner to Meagan Robinson, Ray Coutts and Jake Rich who were awarded a Chief Officer’s Certificate of Commendation for their tireless and outstanding work with cadets.


Championship Results


Naracoorte Team 1 1st; Kingsley Cadets 2nd; Lacepede Cadets 3rd.

Results for the Region 5 Cadet Championships:

Event 1 – Replace a damaged length of Hose: Lacepede Cadets 1st; Naracoorte Team 2 2nd; Naracoorte Team 2 3rd.

Event 2 – Draughting: Naracoorte Team 1 1st; Kingsley Cadets 2nd; Padthaway Team 3 3rd.

Event 3 – Elephant Walk & Burnover Drill: Naracoorte Team 1 1st; Compton Team 2 2nd; Kingsley Cadets 3rd.

Event 4 – Simulated Response & Hydrant Drill: Kingsley Cadets 1st; Naracoorte Team 1 2nd; Lacepede Cadets 3rd.