VICSES volunteers step up to support firefighter stair climb cause
Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers took important steps to support cancer research and crisis support services by tackling the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb at the weekend.
More than 20 volunteers in orange flocked from across Victoria to join firefighters and fellow first responders in taking part in the 12th iteration of the 28-floor climb, all while carrying up to 25kg of operational equipment on their backs to simulate a search and rescue scenario.
The heavy backpacks carried by VICSES volunteers aimed to reflect the similar weight being carried by firefighters on the day, many of whom completed the climb while wearing breathing apparatus
The initiative, which brings together firefighters from CFA, FRV, Forest Fire Management Victoria to raise funds for Lifeline, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the 000 Foundation, also welcomed members from Victoria Police, VICSES and Life Saving Victoria to take part, symbolising the ‘We Work As One’ approach taken by Victoria’s emergency service providers.
VICSES Stawell and VICSES Hamilton units were represented at the climb for the third consecutive year, while nine VICSES units made their debut at this year’s event including VICSES Manningham Unit, which took home organisational bragging rights after securing each of the podium spots in the male open category.
VICSES Manningham Unit volunteer Oliver reached the finish line first with a remarkable time of 4:48, narrowly beating out colleagues John and Fynn.
Participating for the first time in her VICSES uniform after previously representing CFA at the event, VICSES Wangaratta Unit volunteer Monique was the fastest female, recording a time of 5:47 while competing alongside fellow Wangaratta volunteer Jasmine.
Several volunteers also took part in the Masters (40-49) and Grand Masters (50-59) categories, as VICSES involvement in the event more than quadrupled that of the previous year’s record.
VICSES Hamilton Unit volunteer Travis successfully raised more than $5,000 for the cause himself, as the VICSES cohort added more than $12,000 to the event’s $1.1m total raised.
To donate, visit www.firefighterclimb.org.au/donations/donate.
Quotes attributable to David Baker, VICSES Acting Chief Officer Operations
“The Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb is a fantastic initiative which brings our emergency services together to raise awareness and funds for causes close to the hearts of our first responders.
“Congratulations to each and every one of our incredible VICSES volunteers who took on the challenge, supported their fellow first responders and showed great pride in representing VICSES as they made the gruelling climb.
“It’s exciting to see the continued growth of this event throughout the emergency services sector and I look forward to seeing even more orange on display at next year’s iteration.”
