By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
AS A firey, Andrew Norman is used to dealing with danger.
And the 24-year-old from Endeavour Hills admits that competing in the Eureka Climb in his CFA gear makes it extra difficult.
But it’s a 300-metre vertical challenge the Narre Warren North CFA firefighter can’t wait to accept again on Sunday 16 November.
“I did it last year and the main reason I do is it because I like to help the community fundraise, I like to actively be a part of things that can help make a difference to the world,” Andrew said this week.
“I’m generally pretty fit myself and last year I didn’t do any training for it and came in at just over 17 minutes, but this year I’ve done a bit more prep.
“I’ve been running quite regularly, doing ladders and stairs.
“It’s a little bit more dangerous for the fireys who do it, for the fact that you’re adding 23 kilograms to your body and then you’ve got to remember how hot you get in the gear – you sweat a lot.
“You need to make sure you’re physically and mentally strong to still be able to climb up to the top, and then up the top they have medical staff if we need any assistance.”
Participants in the Eureka Climb are made to run or walk the 1642 stairs to level 88 of Melbourne’s Eureka Skydeck – the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere.
People can enter in teams of four or individually, like Andrew, and the money raised will go towards the event’s two charity partners, Whitelion and Interplast Australia and New Zealand.
Whitelion is a non-profit community organisation that provides youth-focused gender and culturally specific services in areas including mentoring, employment, specialist outreach support and education-based prevention programs.
Interplast is another not-for-profit organisation which works to improve the quality of life for people who are disabled as a result of congenital or acquired medical conditions, including cleft lip palate and burn scar contractures.
Andrew said on average 500 volunteer firefighters take part in the Eureka Climb, in addition to more than 2000 other participants.
“The fireys go off at an earlier time before the public because we’re wearing gear and we need more space – it’s quite hard turning the corners,” he said.
“But it’s made me a lot fitter, I love doing it. It’s good fun and you get to meet new people.
“This year I’m hoping to get it done in 14 minutes.”
For more information, visit www.eurekaclimb.com.au.
