Our People
8 August, 2026
Stawell CFA returns to stair climb challenge
STAWELL CFA members will once again tackle the Annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb this September, joining firefighters and emergency service personnel from across Australia in raising funds for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, Lifeline and the 000 Foundation.
The event, to be held on Saturday, September 12th, will see participants climb the 28 floors of Melbourne's Crown Metropol in full firefighting gear.
Returning participants Geoffrey Hateley, Steven Rudolph, Jai Smith and Myles Gellie and Joseph Stubberfield, will be joined by first-time climbers Sonny Gellie, Bradley Winton and Tyler Rickard.
Jai Smith said the event was about far more than the physical challenge.
“I'm excited to do it again. Last year being the first time anyone from Stawell has done it, it's a very good team bonding experience,” he said.
“It's great seeing all the emergency services come together and participate in one big event. You see people, you meet people you've met previously, whether that be a strike team or wherever. You catch up with old mates.”
While the climb is physically demanding, Jai said the fundraising aspect is what makes it worthwhile.
“When you think back to the climb itself, you remember it but you don't really remember the actual going up the stairs part. I was just focusing on getting to the end and doing the best you can.
“God forbid that anyone ever needs those foundations, but we are raising money just in case,” he said.
The team hopes the event will become a regular tradition for the brigade.
“I really want to make it a tradition that we try and at least get a few members there each year,” said Jai.
Returning climber Myles Gellie said the event offered a rare opportunity for emergency service personnel to connect outside of emergency situations.
“It's a good emergency services bonding experience amongst all the other services, catching up with something positive,” he said.
To prepare for the challenge, brigade members are ramping up training donning themselves in full gear on the grandstands at North Park.
“It's nothing compared to the actual thing, but it's just getting your legs used to that motion,” Jai said.
For first-time participant Tyler Rickard, the challenge is one he is taking in his stride.
“It's not much of an issue, we'll do it,” he said.
Joking about the gruelling climb, Tyler added, “If we die trying, we die trying.”
Anyone wanting to donate to the group can visit www.firefighterclimb.org.au/station/cfa/stawell
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