Earlier this month, over 750 firefighters and emergency services personnel from across the nation embarked on a gruelling 28-floor climb up to the top of the Crown Metropol, decked out in 25kg of turnout gear and breathing apparatus to raise funds and awareness for the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation, Lifeline, and 000Foundation.
Broadford firefighters Adele Deverell and James Conboy made their debut in the 11th annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb event, keen to test their abilities and connect with their peers and the wider community.
Mr Conboy said the excitement around the event inspired him to participate.
“It was well talked about … it was a very good experience, very proud to be involved,” he said.
“It took myself five minutes and 11 seconds … and Adele smashed her time as well. We’ll train hard and have a crack again next year.”
Ms Deverell agreed with Mr Conboy’s sentiments, stating that the excitement turned into a mix of nervousness and adrenaline on the day.
“I was standing in line with this other guy from Portland and … you could tell we were nervous. The goal was under 10 minutes, and I got nine minutes and 12 seconds,” she said.
“The adrenaline definitely helped.”
Mr Conboy noted the event was one of the hardest activities he had ever participated in.
“I’ve played a lot of different sports, been very active my whole life, but this was easily the hardest thing I’ve ever done by far. But it was probably one of the best things I’ve ever done as well, for what it went to. There was no competition, everyone was very together, just one big team,” he said.
The event raised $794,410 for crisis support and cancer research.
Both Ms Deverell and Mr Conboy joined the Broadford CFA brigade last year, inspired to give back to the community.
“I’ve lived in Broadford my whole life, and I think I reached that age where it’s time to … start giving back to the community. It’s definitely been an eye-opening experience, but it’s good, you meet some really good people,” Mr Conboy said.
“I had some spare time and wanted to give back. And I think being here has just been amazing, you know, the mateship and the teamwork, and the experience as well—being able to give back,” Ms Deverell said.
The Broadford CFA brigade’s doors are always open, and the team are always on the lookout for more volunteers.
To learn more, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa/come-join-us.
