By Callum Ludwig
Another team of keen Upper Yarra firefighters are set to battle the 2023 Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb (MFSC), from new faces to regular competitors.
Wesburn/Millgrove CFA’s Tony Lewis has been leading some training sessions ahead of the September 2 charity event.
Mr Lewis said we have a bunch of members from the Yarra Valley group of brigades, from Gruyere and Wandin all the way out to Warburton and Reefton that participate.
“I think it’s fantastic that the volunteers take time out of their day to not only participate in the event but also fundraise for the beneficiaries, it’s actually a big commitment,” he said.
“It’s certainly not an easy feat and I find that it’s pretty inspirational, especially knowing that you’re not the only one, we all support each other.”
Firefighters from across Victoria, as well as some from interstate and overseas, descend on Crown Metropol in Melbourne for the challenge. Some Upper Yarra firefighters regularly take to the lookout on Mt Donna Buang for their training, taking on the stairs and altitude.
Mr Lewis said they like using the stairs on Mt Donna Buang as the altitude brings a bit of realism to their training.
“It’s not like you’re walking up a hill, you’re actually utilising the stairs on the tower, it’s hard work and that’s even without the breathing apparatus on,” he said.
“I’ve got a $1500 fundraising goal, so I’m almost there which is lovely and I would like to be able to do the stairs within about five minutes, but we will see how we go this year, we’re not getting any younger, my best time ever was 4 minutes and 46 seconds.”
It’s Mr Lewis’ ninth year of a possible 10 taking on the challenge and so far he has raised $1170.
Last year, brigades across the Upper Yarra raised over $20,000 between them all: $7590 by Hillcrest CFA, Seville CFA $5687, Warburton CFA $4115 and Wesburn/Millgrove CFA $3250.
To donate to Mr Lewis’ and Wesburn/Millgrove CFA’s effort, go to www.firefighterclimb.org.au/climber/tonylewis/.
