General News
7 February, 2026
State championships return to Stawell
STAWELL is gearing up to host one of Victoria’s most cherished volunteer traditions, as the CFA/VFBV Firefighter State Championships return to the North Park Recreation Reserve in March 2026, bringing the state’s biggest annual firefighting event back to the Northern Grampians for the first time in two decades. The Championships will be held over two weekends: junior competitions on Saturday and Sunday 21–22 March, followed by senior and rural events on Saturday and Sunday 28–29 March. A Torchlight Procession along Main Street on the evening of 28 March will add pageantry to the competition.
Stawell Fire Brigade Captain and Championships Committee Chair Mal Nicholson said the event returning to Stawell is deeply significant for volunteers and the community alike.
“It’s been a long time since the Championships were held this side of the state, so to bring them back to Stawell means a lot,” Mr Nicholson said, “There’s a real sense of pride in being able to host it at North Park again.”
He said the move is expected to draw renewed competition from brigades across western and south-west Victoria.
“A lot of brigades out this way haven’t run for a while,” Mr Nicholson said, “This is a good opportunity to dust the cobwebs off and have a go.”
With the last Stawell-hosted State Championships held in 2006, many younger brigade members have never seen the event in their own backyard — while older members remember its legacy with pride.
Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Karen Hyslop said the council welcomed the opportunity to bring the Championships to town.
“Stawell has a proud history of hosting major CFA events, having previously welcomed the State Championships in 1995, 2000 and 2006,” Cr Hyslop said, “Hosting the event provides an opportunity to celebrate our community’s spirit, teamwork and resilience, especially following recent bushfires.”
The Mayor noted the broader community and economic benefits of staging the event locally.
“We’re anticipating around 900 competitors and more than 4,000 visitors,” she said, “Local clubs, service groups and suppliers will also benefit through event operations and logistics.”
The Championships will feature a lively market area, CFA program displays, appliances on show and food and beverage vendors, creating a festival atmosphere across North Park.
Mr Nicholson encouraged locals to come out and support the visiting brigades.
“There’s nothing like seeing the lanes full and that’s exactly what we’re hoping to see,” he said.
Read More: Stawell