Alongside other local brigades, such as the CFA and VicSES in Seymour, Hilldene Fire Brigade is all set for the challenge.
In 25kg of turnout gear and a breathing apparatus, five members will be pushing themselves to the extreme.
Brigade secretary Steph Woodhall said, alongside fundraising, the day offered a vital sense of mateship.
“The stair climb is partly about removing the stigma around mental health, things like post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide, depression, as well as letting participants know, you have your mates, they can always back you,” Ms Woodhall said.
“It’s part of being a family here, for us, and family does everything together.”
Each participating member has an individual fundraising goal, bolstered by the community their brigade operates within to achieve that figure.
These goals merge to reach the collective aim of $1 million, a significant sum that isn’t as unreachable as it seems, considering the over $800,000 raised during last year’s stair climb.
The sum is set to go towards a number of charities, all with ties to first responders, such as the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Lifeline and the Triple Zero Foundation.
Ms Woodhall said while the strengthening of bonds with her fellow members was part of what pushed her to participate in her first stair climb, she also had personal ties to the charities the event supported.
“In March, my uncle passed away from cancer,” she said.
“This is something that he’d probably say, ‘you’re stupid for doing’, but he would also be cheering for me, too. So, that’s a big part of why I’m doing it,
“(The charities) work very hard to improve the lives of our first responders and their families, and defence personnel as well.”
Also ready to complete her first stair climb this year is Ms Woodhall’s fellow Hilldene member Katie Tur.
“I’m taking on the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb to stand beside those whose lives have been touched by cancer and depression because I’ve worked with and around people who’ve faced these battles, and I’ve seen the toll it takes, not just on them, but on the families who support them with quiet strength and endless love,” Ms Tur said.
“This climb is my way of honouring their courage. Every step I take is for the fighters, the survivors, the families holding it together, and in memory of those we’ve lost.
“I want to push my own limits in solidarity with these incredible, selfless individuals — and remind them they’re not alone.”
The 12th annual stair climb will take place at the Crown Metropol on Saturday, September 6, with firefighters and other first responders from around Australia, and the world, taking on the challenge together.
For more information, or to donate, visit tinyurl.com/5dsh46zs
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