By Jamie Salter
Narre Warren SES members recently took part in the Stadium Stomp to help raise awareness for mental heath issues, joining forces with Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp and the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF).
ESF supports the emergency management sector to prevent, promote and address the incidence and impact of mental injury for its 125,000 volunteers and paid staff.
Narre Warren SES members participated in the ultimate stair climb on Saturday 12 February at the Melbourne Cricket Ground – boasting a seating capacity of 100,024.
Crew leader Tracey Hayward participated in the event for the first time alongside Bryce Wickham and Amy MacDonald.
Tracey said it was a worthwhile challenge.
“The Emergency Service Foundation supports the mental wellbeing of emergency service personnel and it’s amazing what we go through,” she said.
“When people are running away from incidents, emergency services are running towards it.”
It took the Narre Warren SES members just under two hours to complete the full course, covering more than 7,300 stairs.
Tracey said her legs were still sore.
“You’re climbing up all these stairs and you’re taking breaks, chatting to peope from different organisations like the CFA, so it was like a bonding experience,” Tracey said.
“It was just amazing to see everyone come together.”
The Emergency Service Foundation raised more than $10,000.
Ms Hayward said she was looking at participating again next year with an even bigger group from the Narre Warren Unit.
“It was a beautiful day and fantastic if you ever want to see the MCG without the crowds,” she said.
“I saw people of all different fitness levels participating – anybody can do the Stadium Stomp.”
