By Mikayla Van Loon and Callum Ludwig
A strong contingent of Hillcrest CFA firefighters have successfully completed the Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb (MFSC).
This year’s event, which took place on Saturday 7 September, again raised funds for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, Lifeline and the 000 Foundation.
Hillcrest CFA’s 4th Lieutenant Rochelle Poulton said she wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated batteries to her donation drive, whether large or small.
“Given the current climate, I understand that monetary donations can be challenging, which is why the battery drive is such a good idea, many people I knew had car batteries lying around, and once I started advertising, it became evident that the support extended far beyond my immediate circle,” she said.
“The continued support over the years has been something I never would’ve dreamed of, and I am deeply thankful to everyone who has contributed—whether by donating batteries, storing them, or, most importantly, taking them to be recycled (a special thanks to my dad for that),”
“This stair climb is about our commitment to pushing our limits to support and honour the people we work alongside every time we represent CFA.”
Ms Poulton fell just $124 short of her personal fundraising goal of $5000 but was still incredibly pleased by it and the brigade’s overall total of $13,184.
Captain Colin Dickson said for a first stair climb, he wasn’t sure of what to expect for any of it. “As you get closer to the top and the legs are burning more but you keep saying ‘push, push through, keep going’ and exiting the stairwell is unusual as your legs are not expecting to step on an even surface instead of constantly stepping up,” he said.
“Crossing the finish line, feeling hot, very sweaty, tired, exhausted and a little light-headed, it becomes a whirlwind of activity, I liken it to being a race car pulling into the pits, people are there undoing your firefighting helmet, taking your breathing apparatus face mask off, unzipping your structural firefighting jacket, BA set comes off your back, jacket comes off, wet towel around your neck, handed a water bottle, directed over to some chairs and moment to reflect,”
“Then, as you are catching your breath, an opportunity to look around at others who are finishing and recovering from the climb, a chance to congratulate the successful Hillcrest team as we gather at the top, looking out the windows from the 28th floor pleased with the accomplishment and importantly reflecting on those who will benefit from the funds raised.”
Mr Dickson was one of two first-timers taking part in the MFSC from Hillcrest CFA, with the other being firefighter Molly Drane.
Ms Drane said she can’t wait to come back in for MFSC25.
“As this was my first year taking on the climb, I didn’t know what to expect, and I have to say, it was tough, but it didn’t disappoint,” she said.
“Seeing the camaraderie and encouragement from fellow firies before, during and after the climb was incredibly heartening,”
“To see so many people in the one room, geared up and ready to go for such an incredible cause made the challenge worth it.”
The MFSC consists of firefighters climbing 28 floors of the Crown Metropol in Melbourne in full turnout gear, with some even taking on the extra challenge of using breathing apparatus (BA) during the climb.
Firefighter Yiota Carabourniotis said honestly, in all three of her years of doing the stair climb it hasn’t gotten that much easier.
“You think you are ready but once you get to the bottom of the staircase and look up it’s like this overwhelming thought of ‘Wow it’s a long way to the top’ even though it’s only 28 floors, but the 25 extra kilos of gear definitely make it a massive challenge,” she said.
“This year I was on the (on-air category) meaning that I actually used the BA that I was carrying on my back and I found that to be a much better experience for myself to get to the top with a lot less stops along the way, lots of cardio work to prepare for it is the key.”
This year’s MFSC raised $795,615, smashing the overall goal of $750,000.
Comms Officer Rob Drane said the stair climb is a fantastic way to share the message of mental health.
“It’s something that I’m really passionate about, frontline workers often face intense and high-stress situations, which can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression and ongoing awareness can help normalise conversations about these issues,” he said.
“Regular discussions about mental health can help establish support systems among colleagues, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation, continuous emphasis on mental health awareness is essential to support frontline workers effectively, ensuring their well-being and enhancing their ability to provide care to the communities we serve.”
“We have the ability to support a great cause and to challenge ourselves every year both physically and mentally to be a better people and to be role models to the wider community through our actions,” 5th Lieutenant Vicki White said.
