The team, consisting of Charlie and Lizzie Butt, Nick Summerfield, Jarrod Livolsi, Tristan Langfield and Jack Grant, placed in five of the eight events at the championships. For team manager, Mandy Butt, the result is vindication of all the hard work done by the youngsters in the lead up to the event. 

“To place second in Australia was an outstanding effort and testiment to the good group of kids we have in our team,” Mandy said.

“They all have a go and work for each other and that is all you can ask for,” she said.

“The team has a variety of ages and genders in its ranks but they click and all enjoy participating in these activities together.

“Considering the depth of the competition and the difficulty of the events it is an amazing result!”

The team won six medals on the day including a first placing in portable pumps, hose and hydrant, second in two Ttanker and third in the team challenge and light tanker/hand tool. Overall the team finished second to St. Paul’s Grammar from Penrith but beat the highly fancied Quinn’s Rock School from WA into third. 

“Everyone is over the moon with what we have achieved and so they should be,” Mandy said.

“We were competing against 25 other schools and groups from across Australia which is no mean feat.

“The dedication to training and commitment made to each other to give it a real go paid dividends for the kids,” she said. 

“I know the kids would especially like to thank Sam Tout, IGA and Young Shire Council for all their support as we could not have done this without them.”