Published on Tuesday, 16 May 2023 at 11:53:35 AM
The Shire of Coolgardie were honoured to receive a framed team shirt from the Kambalda Junior Fire Brigade (KJFB) in recognition of their support of group.
We spoke to Godfrey Patten, Coach for the last six years and volunteer firefighter for 15, and Charlee Smith, Assistant Coach for four years, about how the group have gone from strength to strength in the last 5 years and how the Shire has supported them.
Godfrey said “We received financial support through the Shire via the Community Assistance Fund grant which helped us get to Perth for the 2022 State Championships.
We also use the Shire Bus and equally appreciate the care and preparation that goes into maintaining our running track in Kambalda East.
All these things add up and help the club in getting these kids not only to state competitions but being extremely competitive at these competitions. In 2021 we were state champions and in 2022 we placed second.”
The club runs two teams, the sub juniors aged 11 to 14 and the juniors aged 14 to 17. Five years ago, they had seven kids and have grown to a whopping 32 making them the largest brigade in the state. Their numbers are made up of both girls and boys with the competition mixed, the season runs from September to November.
Charlee said “ The kids train three nights a week and have a very high level of commitment. They enjoy the camaraderie and thrive off the competition. We’re also able to instill leadership qualities by giving the older kids responsibility and being role models for the younger ones.
The benefits to the kids are huge and sometimes come back to the brigade in the form of volunteers with some becoming part of the brigade when they’ve grown out of firies.”
The Shire wishes them the best of luck at this year’s State Championships in November.
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