IN a first for the Woorinen South Fire Brigade, young firefighter Jess Burge will soon be climbing a lot stairs as a way to challenge herself, while also raising money for, and awareness of mental health.
On Saturday, September 10, 600 firefighters and other emergency service personnel, including Ms Burge, will take part in the 9th Annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, climbing the 28 floors of the Crown Metropol Hotel while also wearing 25kgs of turnout gear and breathing apparatus.
“I wanted to set myself up for a challenge,” Ms Burge said.
“My goal is to complete all 28 floors.”
Woorinen South Fire Brigade captain Jed O’Brien said the whole team have got around Ms Burge to support her.
“It’s a good effort that someone from the Mallee is going up to the Melbourne Run, I wouldn’t do it,” he said, with a laugh.
“Jess is keen to have a crack at anything.”
Joining the Woorinen South Fire Brigade just before COVID hit in 2019, Ms Burge has been an active firefighter member for more than a year now.
“I love being involved in the fire brigade,” Ms Burge said.
“It is like family – you always have someone looking out for you.”
Preparing for the climb in September, Ms Burge has been frequenting the gym, and feels like she is in a good position to reach her goal.
“I’m feeling really confident,” she said.
To support Jess and donate to a worthy cause, head to https://www.firefighterclimb.org.au/ and in ‘Donate on behalf of’ write Jessica Burge.
