TWO local SES Hamilton unit volunteers and one from the North Hamilton Rural Fire Brigade are in training for the annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb to take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

North Hamilton Rural Fire Brigade member, Joshua Mahoney, and Hamilton SES volunteers, Damon Moritz and Travis McIntosh will be joining firefighters and emergency services’ personnel from across Australia for the event.

They will descend upon Melbourne to ascend the gruelling 28 floors of the Crown Metropol raising vital funds for cancer research and crisis support.

To date this year, ahead of the main event, over a quarter of a million dollars has been raised for vitally needed funds that will go towards supporting the selected beneficiaries; Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000Foundation.

Climbers will battle the 28 floors wearing up to 25 kilograms of turnout gear in support of first responders and their families who experience significant health and well-being issues on a daily basis.

Some will also be breathing ‘on air’ through self-contained breathing apparatus, adding an extra level of difficulty to their climb.

There is also an opportunity for those unable to participate on the day to do so virtually in August. Another two North Hamilton Rural Fire Brigade volunteers, Pete Warren and Alister Steel will be undertaking the challenge this way.

Mr McIntosh was putting his fitness to the test with regular training sessions and said he was looking forward to the event.

“Can’t wait,” he said.

“Training so far has been a great but hard work at the same time.

“Roger from HILAC helped us out a great deal with making a program to help us on our journey.

“I went down (to the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb 2023) and volunteered there last year, and I thought, what the hell...it’s a great way to help raise much needed money for some amazing people.

“This is my first year as a climber and also Josh’s first year.

“Damon, Pete, and Alister have all done it other years.

“I’m doing a car battery drive to raise money.”

Mr Moritz said this would be the third time for him participating in the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb and he likewise, has been training hard.

“I along with over 700 plus Firefighters and other emergency services personnel will be climbing 28 Floors of the Crown Metropol,” he said.

“(We will be) raising vital funds for Cancer Research and Crisis Support helping to raise $700,000.

“With only 55 days to go, training has been quite intense but great.

‘I will be wearing full SES PPC and carrying up to 25kg of kit on me.

“We started training for the event about two months ago and are training four days a week, every week - mostly focusing on cardiovascular training.

“We’ve got a great support system in place at the gym at HILAC and have got a training program which has definitely helped us with further training, which has been great.

“This event has always been close to my heart for various reasons.

“I’m highly motivated in raising awareness and raising vital funds for cancer research and crisis support.

“I also see it as a personal challenge and a way to push myself physically while contributing to a great cause.

“It’s a great way to honour the bravery and dedication of our firefighters.”

Mr Mahoney was equally thrilled to participate and is enjoying the training aspect.

“It’s for a great cause so of course I’m going to push myself,” he said.

“It’s good just knowing it’s going towards a good cause.

“I’ve had family members pass away from cancer and I don’t want anyone else to go through that so the least I can do is help raise some money.”

On the day, climbers will be supported by a crew of volunteers and a medical support team along the way, who will also be cheering participants on as they embark upon one of the toughest stair climb challenges. North Hamilton Fire Brigade member, Natasha Frankensteiner has volunteered to assist the climbers on the day as part of the support crew.

Donations can be made towards a nominated participant at firefighterclimb.org.au