The 17-strong firefighting crew christened the ground with a number of firefighting drills including hose hydrant and urban pump and collector events.

The ground will provide a training area and event complex for the 2015 Regional Firefighters Championship which will be held in Gunnedah in March and is designed to hone the skills of the thousands of firefighters who participate each year.

Deputy Captain Glenn Swift said there would be tough competition from the neighbouring Tamworth brigade and Kootingal Rural Fire Service.

“Tamworth are one of the strongest and our closest competitor,” Deputy Captain Swift said.

“We are up against some other strong contenders too, like the Kootingal RFS.”

Gunnedah Shire Council has been a great supporter of the event, supplying a total of $11,000 in financial assistance, use of the grounds and labour to prepare for the event.

Cr Hasler said he backed the final $2390.37 in  funding at a council meeting last night, but joked it was on the condition that “our firefighters must win the championships or beat Tamworth”.

Council had already allocated $9000 towards the facilities, but final costs were higher than expected.

Deputy Captain Swift thanked the council and fellow firefighters for their support.

“It was great to see the support of the guys from the station and the local council for everything they have done,” Deputy Captain Swift said.

The opening on Monday night was the last official engagement for Deputy Captain Swift, who has transferred to the Metro North region and will look to take up a position with the Toronto brigade.

He said he will still oversee organisation of the 2015 event, which is now in full-swing.

Captain Rod Byrnes said the crew are looking forward to next year’s championships and wished Deputy Captain Swift all the best in his new position.