Jazmin Hunter tops the podium as Albany volunteer firefighters thrive at annual State Easter Championships

Albany volunteer firefighters came away from the 121st Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Easter Championships with a clutch of medals – and the top gong for the champion female. Jazmin Hunter shared top spot with Zoe Hazlewood, of Harvey, in the event which took place in Bunbury over the weekend of April 4-5. The women of Albany 2 were also champions, winning the female team aggregate ahead of Harvey 2 and Mandurah. Ms Hunter, who works at Office National in Albany when she is not volunteering, said the competitions were great fun and were including more and more female firefighters. “It’s one of the best things in the world,” she said. “It’s great that we are seeing an increase in the numbers of women competing and the other participants are all really encouraging. “The competitions are a great way for everyone to get together.” Primarily a support member, Ms Hunter is often out with crews attending events or burn-offs, volunteering with Albany having been a runner for the past decade. The team score helped towards her individual title and she said she loved being part of the group, with everyone working together. While Harvey successfully defended their overall title to take team gold, Albany took the bronze just behind South Kalgoorlie, the silver medallists. Albany took top spot in the operational aggregate ahead of rivals South Kalgoorlie and Harvey and were third in both dry and wet aggregate competitions. Bronze was also the colour of the Albany medal in the hose and reel while there were also podium places in the pump appliance sections. The annual championships were organised by the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Association of WA with support from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The competitors battle over 24 events designed to replicate frontline firefighting tasks. The 2026 event featured brigades from 12 outfits, covering the State from Mt Magnet in the north, down to Albany. The firefighters utilised equipment such as hydrants, hoses, ladders and fire trucks to claim points across team and individual categories. WA’s volunteer services are made up of 93 brigades and more than 2300 volunteers. Their duties include attending road crash rescues, HAZMAT incidents, structure fires and bushfire emergencies.