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Elleker volunteer firefighters to put on firey show at Albany Maritime Festival

Headshot of Kellie Balaam
Kellie BalaamAlbany Advertiser
Elleker Bush Fire Brigade volunteers Maxine Jones and Sjaan van der Heide.
Camera IconElleker Bush Fire Brigade volunteers Maxine Jones and Sjaan van der Heide. Credit: Laurie Benson/Albany Advertiser

Two Elleker Volunteer Bushfire Brigade members will switch their firefighting hoses for fire sticks as they put on a show at this year’s Albany Maritime Festival.

Volunteer firefighters Maxine Jones and Sjaan Van Der Heide have been exploring another side of fire as they try their hand at the risky art of fire twirling.

The duo can be seen in action from 7pm on Saturday at Albany Boatshed during the inaugural maritime festival.

As a volunteer firefighter of more than 10 years, Ms Jones is well aware of the dangers of playing with fire.

A lover of the arts from a young age, she said she jumped at the chance when she was approached by Southern Edge Arts.

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“I’ve been performing in lots of things. I work closely with the Albany Light Opera Theatre Company doing choreography and performance, but I’ve never learnt to fire spin before,” she said.

“I’m always looking to extend my skill set and ... it’s great fun.”

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