Horsham Fire Brigade’s Shaun Longstaff, 15, will compete in the championships in October.

Shaun said his family had a long history with the Country Fire Authority.

Shaun’s grandfather was a volunteer firefighter at Hoppers Crossing and later Portland, while his grandmother was part of the Hoppers Crossing and Portland ladies auxiliaries and is also a member of the Brim Fire Brigade.

Shaun’s mum Kate Ryan started as a junior firefight at Hoppers Crossing, before becoming an active volunteer at Portland, Brim and Horsham.

Shaun’s sister Claire is also a junior member of the Horsham brigade.

“It’s pretty cool,” Shaun said.

He said he decided to apply for the fire cadet championships because of his family’s involvement in the CFA.

“I had to sign up for it and then a month later I found out that I was accepted,” he said.

The championship will involve eight events, including a portable pump relay, hose and hydrant drill, knapsack response relay, tanker and ladder event and a team challenge. 

Shaun said he was looking forward to the championships.

“It’s something different and it will be fun to be involved,” he said.

Victoria will take two teams, each made up of six people.

Shaun said he would encourage more young people to get involved in the CFA.

“I’ve been a junior member for about two or three years now and I really enjoy it,” he said.

“Our numbers have dropped a bit recently though.

“More people should think about joining – it’s good fun and teaches you good life skills.”

Members of the Victorian team will also attend a team building day next month, which will allow the participants to meet each other and participate in some activities.

The championships run from October 3 to 6 at the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre in Sydney. ​