Community
28 July, 2023
One step at a time
CLIMBING stairs can be a challenge for many – but climbing 476 of them with 25 kilos on your back adds a whole new dimension to the challenge.
And that’s what lies in wait for Winslow and Yarpturk Fire Brigade Lieutenants Sue Rondeau and Dan Deans who will take part in this year’s 10th annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
To be held on September 2, participants will each make their way up 28 floors of the Crown Metropol Hotel in 25 kilograms of kit to help raise money for Lifeline, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000Foundation.
“I’ve never taken part in this challenge before but there are so many reasons to do this,” Sue said.
“There are most incidents of mental health issues among first responders than in the general population and we need to work hard to reduce the stigma around this; hopefully it encourages people to put their hands up and seek help.
“Raising money for cancer research is also so important; unfortunately the statistics are high among firefighters.”
Sue has been busy training for the challenge, tackling steps around the district every second day.
“I try to chalk up around 480 steps each session; there’s a range of steps in lots of 70 at Tower Hill that I tackle. It certainly won’t be a race for me, I’ll just be happy to get to the finish line on the 28th floor.”
Sue said her strategy would be to count the steps as she goes.
“At the moment I can do 160 in one go; there’s that many at a spot in Portland. Some of the boys can get up the 28 floors in about six or seven minutes – I’ll just be happy to finish.”
Fellow volunteer at the Winslow and Yarpturk brigade, Dan Deans said for him the challenge would be more of a mind game than a physical test.
“I’m not a big fan of steps, and I’m not really doing any training, I think I’ll just get in the right mindset and take one step a time.” Dan has been a member of the brigade for almost 10 years.
“I started as a junior and have progressed through the ranks which has been rewarding,” Dan said.
As for the weight on his back, Dan said it was more the weight on his feet that would cause him concern.
“The 25-kilo pack doesn’t worry me too much but it’s the boots that are heavy – and I’m sure they’ll feel a lot heavier the more flights I do.”
Dan is aiming to raise around $1200 and was already at $200 going into last weekend.
The September event will attract over 700 firefighters and emergency services personnel who will start at street level and climb to the finishing line on the 28th floor of the hotel.
The aim of the event is to raise $700,000 for the charities to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of mental health issues like depression, post traumatic stress injury and suicide especially for those within the emergency service and Defence communities.
The contribution to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation supports research, education and real treatments for those suffering from cancer.
Since the inaugural year in 2014, the event has raised almost $3,282,759.
The Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb remembers the 343 firefighters that lost their lives in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.
Participants’ bibs will include the name and photo of an FDNY firefighter in memory of their sacrifice made on that fateful day.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can head to firefighterclimb.org.au.
