General News
16 September, 2025
Horsham CFA volunteers conquer Melbourne stairs
Six Horsham CFA volunteers joined more than 1000 firefighters and emergency service personnel from across Australia for the 12th Annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
The fundraiser gathered more than a million on Saturday, September 6.
The gruelling challenge took place at the Crown Metropol Hotel, where participants climbed 28 floors in full turnout gear, weighing up to 25 kilograms, to raise funds and awareness for mental health, suicide prevention and cancer support.
One of the Horsham CFA participants, Kate Wills, completed her first climb after previously supporting the event as part of the recovery crew.
“This was my first climb this year,” she said.
“In the past, I’ve been at the top helping firefighters rehab and get their gear off.
This time, I thought I’d try something different and actually climb the stairs.
She effortlessly explained the motivation.
“The event raises funds for three charities closely linked to emergency services – Lifeline, the Triple Zero Foundation, and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.
“Supporting Peter Mac is close to our hearts because so many firefighters have been diagnosed with occupational cancers.”
For Ms Wills, the challenge was deeply personal as well.
“I come from a family touched by suicide, touched by cancer, and touched by mental health, so all of the charities we raised money for are very close to my heart,” she said.
Ms Wills said the climb tested both body and spirit.
“It was really hard, and there were times when I thought, I don’t think I can actually do this,” she said.
“But then I reminded myself of why I was doing it and what people have been through before me, and that gave me the extra push to keep going.
Ms Wills finished the climb in 15 minutes, while teammate Daniel Wills completed it in just 7 minutes and 45 seconds.
“Some of the guys aim to beat their personal best each year, but for me, it was about making it to the top and honouring the causes we were supporting,” she said.
She said the day was a fantastic networking opportunity.
“One of the highlights was catching up with people I know from across Victoria and Australia,” she said.
“We often fight fires together, but don’t always get to gather in this way, and it was a great networking opportunity.”
According to Ms Wills, the atmosphere was electric.
“During the opening ceremony, they announced that $1.1 million had been raised, and this was the first year the total had gone over a million, and that was a pretty big highlight,” she said.
Participants came from across Australia, with around 80 per cent representing CFA.
“There were also firefighters from Fire Rescue Victoria, NSW Fire and Rescue, and even some from interstate brigades and other emergency services,” she said.
Looking ahead, Ms Wills confirmed she plans to return.
“Absolutely, I encourage anyone in emergency services to take on this challenge,” she said.
“It pushes you to your limits, it’s empowering, and it raises money for valuable causes.
“I’ll definitely be doing it again next year – maybe even Sydney in March as well as Melbourne in September.”
The Horsham CFA team thanked the local community for their ongoing support and encouragement, and urged people to contribute to their fundraising efforts at www.firefighterclimb.org.au/station/cfa/horsham.