General News
27 March, 2025
Mum passes championships baton
For as long as she can remember, the CFA/VFBV state championships have been a part of Kate Wills' life.
The Horsham Fire Brigade member can recall watching her father compete for Hoppers Crossing as she grew up.
Now, as a junior leader, she cheers on her own children as they begin their state champs journey.
But Kate’s involvement goes beyond spectating.
A competitor in the past, she has also been a longtime member of the state first aid team, providing important medical support to competitors.
Kate works as a critical care nurse at Stawell Hospital’s urgent care centre and recently joined CFA’s Fire Medical Response (FMR) program, an initiative with Ambulance Victoria that dispatches CFA brigades to cardiac arrests alongside ambulances.
At the state championships, she brings those same skills to the competition.
“I first got involved after someone at a local demo asked if I’d be interested,” Kate said.
“I thought, ‘Sure, why not?’
"Six years later, I’m still here.”
Over the years she also competed in disciplined marching with Portland and later Horsham before the event was phased out.
While that event's no longer part of the competition, she still marches in the torchlight procession when possible.
Now, the next generation of her family is carrying on the tradition.
“My son and daughter both run with Horsham so that keeps me involved too,” she said.
“Even though I don’t compete much anymore, watching them gives me the chance to put my hand up and stay part of it all.”
Kate said she hoped this year to see more volunteers step up and get involved with first aid.
“The first aid team is a great little crew," she said.
"We know each other well and work seamlessly, but it’d be great to see some fresh faces bring in new ideas.
"If you have the skills, absolutely sign on.
"It’s such a valuable way to contribute.”
Anyone interested in joining the state first aid team can contact their local CFA headquarters or speak to the team in person at this year’s championships in Mooroopna.