By Esther Lauaki
Macedon Ranges firefighters are stepping up their support for people living with mental illness.
Firefighters from Gisborne, Kyneton, Lancefield, Malmsbury and Riddells Creek are joining forces for this year’s Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb next month.
They will compete against 650 firefighters to climb 28 floors of the Crown Metropol Melbourne hotel wearing full firefighting gear.
Members from Kyneton CFA have already raised $1170 towards their goal of topping last year’s effort of $3000.
The September 1 charity event, now in its fifth year, brings together career and volunteer firefighters from all over Australasia and the world.
Organisers hope to raise $700,000 for Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute to help fight depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide. The funds raised will help improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of mental health issues such as depression, PTSD and suicide, including those within the emergency and defence services.
Country Fire Authority chief officer Steve Warrington said he was looking forward to taking on the challenge with his counterparts from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.
“This climb is a huge physical challenge for us and everyone who takes part,” Mr Warrington said.
“But it is really nothing compared with the battle that our friends, family and emergency service colleagues can face when it comes to mental health.”
Donate: firefighterclimb.org.au
