Climbing for mental health

May 17, 2024 BY

Giving back: The community is invited to nominate outstanding seniors for the Victorian Government's Senior of the Year Awards. Photo: FILE

LOCAL firefighters will take part in a high level fundraiser again this year, with more members than ever joining the cause.

Firies from the Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade are training for the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, which sees emergency service personnel from around the world ascend the 28 floors of Crown Metropol.

It’s quite an effort on its own, but each climber will also have 25 kilos of turnout gear and breathing apparatus on their person, symbolic of burdensome health and wellbeing issues first responders often face.

Last year, 12 members of Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade raised $8084, and this year, a team of 15 are hoping to break the $10,000 mark.

Community Safety Manager at the brigade, Chris Small, asked anyone who can to donate to the cause.

In training: Simon, Cody, Chris, Marcus, Amy, and Harry are among 15 local firefighters taking part in the Stair Climb, and have been training at the Bald Hill 1000+ Steps. Photo: LACHLAN ELLIS

 

“The Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade’s involvement in this year’s Firefighter Stair Climb marks an outstanding moment of pride for our brigade and community,” Mr Small said.

“It’s truly inspirational to see the number of participants from our brigade increase from 12 in 2023 to 15 this year.

“This growth not only demonstrates the dedication and spirit of our volunteer firefighters but also underscores their commitment to the causes the climb supports.

“We’ll be supporting the 000 Foundation and Lifeline, raising awareness and funds for mental health support among emergency service providers, and the Peter MacCallum Foundation, for their tireless research, education and treatment of cancer patients and their families.

In training: Simon, Cody, Chris, Marcus, Amy, and Harry are among 15 local firefighters taking part in the Stair Climb, and have been training at the Bald Hill 1000+ Steps. Photo: LACHLAN ELLIS

 

“As our 15 participating members take each step up the stairs in full turnout gear weighing in excess of 25 kilos, they carry with them the support of the entire brigade, embodying and demonstrating the core values of the Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade.”

Donations can be made at bit.ly/4bcQ6Dt, or Mr Small said support can also be given through non-financial means.

“If you have access to a continuous flight of stairs or knowledge in strength, resistance and cardio training we’d love to connect and discuss in more detail to ensure that 2024 is our most successful climb yet.”