Our People
14 August, 2025
Matt represents the SES in annual stair climb
Ararat’s State Emergency Service (SES) will be represented in this year’s Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, with local member Matt Borecki preparing to take on the 28-storey challenge in full gear.
The annual event, now in its 12th year, raises funds for Lifeline, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, and the 000 Foundation, with more than $480,000 raised so far toward this year’s $1 million goal.
This will be Matt’s fourth time taking part in the stair climb, but his first time representing SES, having previously climbed as part of CFA efforts. “It's different,”
Matt said. “I was always considering doing SES at some stage but always coerced myself to do it on air because everyone told me that they didn't do it on air. It’s about 45 plus degrees in the stairwell because it’s not ventilated, so it’s going to be different.”
Climbers wear full firefighting or rescue gear during the event, with Matt noting he’ll be carrying a 15-kilogram rope bag, making his load equivalent to his CFA structure gear.
The cause this year hits particularly close to home. “One of the foundations we're raising money for is Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation,” Matt explained. “One of our members here, her brother-in-law and her grandmother, unfortunately, at the start of the year, both found out they have very serious stages of cancer and are in
Peter Mac fighting. This year I have their permission to either wear their names or dedicate my climb to them. Every year I try and dedicate it to somebody I’ve known,” he said.
Ararat SES Unit Controller Dylan West welcomed Matt’s involvement, saying it’s great to see SES members taking part in what has traditionally been a firefighter-led initiative.
“It’s good exposure. It’s good that SES members are getting involved, it’s always been a firefighter’s thing, but I think it’s good SES is involved,” Dylan said.
“SES is really supportive of it. Last year, the Chief Officer actually went down and watched.”
This marks the first time since 2023 an Ararat member has taken on the climb for SES, with the last climber being Matthew Kells who hurled up those steps in 2023.
To support Matt’s climb or make a donation, visit www.firefighterclimb.org.au/climber/matthewborecki
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