Lowan Sist

Climbing for CFA Ferntree Gully

Like so many my life has been subject to impact from mental health issues amongst family and friends. In some cases, the worst fears have been realised and I have lost people, we all have.


In those cases where the path was changed it was usually due to informed and empathetic intervention and advice from agencies or carers that knew and had lived experience similar to what the person was struggling with.


On Saturday 10th September 2022, 600 Firefighters and other Emergency Service Personnel will “step up to fight depression, PTSI and suicide” by climbing the 28 floors of Crown Metropol Hotel wearing 25kgs of turnout gear and breathing apparatus.

This year, with your help, we aim to raise $600,000 for Lifeline, Fortem Australia and the 000 Foundation, to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of Mental health issues like depression, Post Traumatic Stress Injury and suicide, especially for those within the Emergency Service and Defence communities.


We must ask if we, our family and friends are OK and be able to respond if they are not.


• In 2020, there were 3,139 deaths by suicide in Australia
• Nine Australians die everyday by suicide, that’s more than double the road toll
• Over 65,000 Australians attempt taking their own life each year.
• Suicide rates in Defence, Emergency services and protective services is elevated compared to other occupations.
• 12% of Australians experience PTSI in their life time.
• PTSI is more prevalent in occupations with higher exposures to trauma, including the defence force, emergency services and protective services.
• For each life lost to suicide, the impacts are felt by up to 135 people including the family, friends, work colleagues and first responders at time of death.

So this year Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade members (of which I am one) are putting their feet where the stairs are and getting on with raising funds for this great cause. Your help in any form is appreciated and makes a massive difference. The cost of that cup of coffee invested in having a chat will make a difference. Or two cups if you can.


Thanks for reading my profile

So far, I've raised $1,714 of my $1,000 fundraising goal.

Recent donations from Lowan’s friends

  • $100
    Pat Ryle
    3 days ago ● Go socky

    Cheers Champ. Appreciate the contribution and support for this great cause

  • $10
    David Rawson
    4 days ago

    Thank you David, sincerely appreciated and valuable contribution

  • $25
    Cheryl Martin
    4 days ago ● Great cause - go well Lowan!

    Brilliant Cheryl! thanks so much

  • $50
    Dimitrios (Jim) Koutsoukos
    6 days ago ● Go Tiges!

    Jimmy marvellous! greatly appreciated

  • $50
    Margi Garretty & Chris O’Brien
    7 days ago ● Great cause Lowan. Will benefit many of us.

    Margi thanks so much from chilly Melbourne. Really appreciate it

  • $25
    Piera Potter
    7 days ago ● Go Wizard Lowan

    Oh Wow PP! Thanks so much and hoping all really well with you

  • $100
    Mark Herbert
    7 days ago ● Dear Spider, I don't know how much longer those two shoe laces hanging out of your arse will support your weight + 25kg of kit, so I'd better donate while you can still make it. Yours &c, Herb

    They are matchsticks if you must know. And yes I have no idea how that still do it. Thanks all for ongoing support

  • $100
    Peter Murphy
    7 days ago ● Good luck Lowan!

    Cheers Peter I need it. Thanks

  • $50
    Helen Bowles
    7 days ago ● All the very best Lowan! 😊 Cheers Helen

    Go tigers Helen! Thanks so much for the support

  • $150
    David Copolov
    7 days ago

    Thank you David, sincerely appreciated and valuable contribution

  • $100
    Alf Maccioni
    7 days ago ● Good luck Lowan. I would need the breathing apparatus just to think about climbing these steps.

    Brilliant Alf, hope some left for the vespa fuel. Thanks so much

  • $100
    Vladimir Prpich
    7 days ago ● Well done Lowan. Massive effort. Wishing you an great climb.

    Cheers Vlad, thanks so much for your ongoing support and contribution to this cause

  • $50
    Mark Ruberto
    7 days ago ● Legend effort and good luck Lowan

    Thanks MR. From you that's a real compliment. Appreciate your support

  • $50
    Tim Shields
    10 days ago ● Lowan ur a legend go 4 it wish I was there to see

    Cheers mate! Go tigers and thanks for the support

  • $25
    Angela Reynolds
    10 days ago ● Good Luck Lowan I’m sure you will smash it again

    Cheers Ange, Rebecca training me

  • $100
    Anne
    11 days ago ● Go for it HB! Amazed and proud of your ongoing commitment to this great cause. Will be there at the end with a pie and some smelling salts. XXX

    Cheers Bloss! Your ongoing patience is a valued virtue.

Previous year’s results

2021$0

2020$73

2019$2,402

6:26.903 Donned and started

2018$2,001

6:54.440 Donned and started

2017$2,188

7:20.838 Donned and started

2016$3,443

7:39.237 Donned and started