Local Fire and Rescue crews were successful in their bid to host the championships for the first time, off the back of hosting strong regional and state championships in the past.

Fire and Rescue Zone Commander Tom Cooper told The Leader a lot of work has gone into the successful bid.

“We initially put the bid in last November and sent one of local team members Robert Eckerley down to New Zealand to see how they ran the event,” Commander Cooper said.

“Upon returning we approached Tamworth Regional Council who supported us in our bid to host the championships in 2019 off the back of some strong performances hosting regional and state championships in the past.”

Commander Cooper said teams from all over Australia and parts of the Pacific were expected to attend the event.

“The best five teams from New Zealand and every state except Queensland will be given automatic qualification,” he said.

“After that it’s about which teams acquire the most amount of qualification points to make up the rest of the field. “We are hoping that for the event we might even see some of the development teams from places like Fiji and the Solomon Islands get along and have a go.

“It will be great for the event to have them there and for their experience it should also be very beneficial.”

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In order to host the championships along the banks of the Peel River next year, local crews will host a fundraising ball on July 28. “Everyone is welcome to come along to the ball at the West Leagues Club,” Commander Cooper said.

“At this stage we are thinking it will be a Hollywood theme and there will be live entertainment, good food and a chance to support us in hosting the event.

“It promises to be a terrific night out in support of Fire and Rescue and a really good value evening for the community.”

Tamworth will host the championships in October 2019.