000 Foundation

Is Running your thing? Are you taking on any fun runs, half marathons or marathons and want to raise some funds for good cause! Well, good news! The 000 Foundation is set up to fundraise through grassrootz for the Run Melbourne and Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival! So if you’re taking part in a run, be it for fun or for a cause, and would like to raise funds for the 000 Foundation! We’d be honoured to have you! One of our Directors, Chris, will be running the Half Marathon at Run Melbourne! We will be there to cheer him on!

Remembering Black Saturday – 7 February 2009 Today we pause to remember Black Saturday, one of Australia’s darkest days. We acknowledge the 173 lives lost, the families and communities forever changed, and the survivors who continue to live with the physical, emotional and psychological impacts. We also recognise the first responders, firefighters, paramedics, police, SES, volunteers and support staff who ran toward danger that day, and who for many, carry the effects of what they saw and did long after the fires were out. For some people, days like today can bring up strong memories and heavy emotions, especially for those who were directly involved, lost loved ones, or responded on the ground. If this day is hard for you, please know you don’t have to carry it alone. Support is available: • Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7) • Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 • Fire agency peer support networks – reach out through your brigade, station, unit or workplace • 000 Foundation – support for first responders and their families [email protected] Checking in on a mate, making the call, or asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Today, we remember. Today, we honour. And today, we continue to stand with those who serve and those who survived.

Important Update – Emergency Services Stair Climb Sydney We wanted to provide an update to everyone who has shown interest in the upcoming Emergency Services Stair Climb – Sydney. Unfortunately, Crown Sydney has made an internal decision to withdraw from hosting the event in 2026. As a result, we will not be proceeding with the climb next year in Sydney. This will not impact the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb. While this is disappointing news, especially after the incredible interest and enthusiasm shown by emergency services personnel across Australia and beyond, we want to reassure everyone that this is not the end of the Sydney climb. The 000Foundation remains committed to bringing this event to life, and planning will now shift toward launching in 2027. We are already exploring new options and partners to ensure the event can reach its full potential. To everyone who expressed interest, reached out, or planned to participate—thank you. Your support and passion for this cause have been incredible, and we can’t wait to climb with you soon. Please stay tuned for further updates. The climb will be back, stronger than ever. The 000Foundation Team

Are you ready for the 2025 Melbourne firefighter stair climb? with only 26 days to go and $480,000 left to raise to hit our target of $1 million for crisis support and cancer research, we are so excited to bring you one of Australia’s premier stair climbing events that brings together firefighters from all over Australia, and a few from overseas, all in the name of charity!

We are honoured to acknowledge Chris May OAM, Board Member of the 000Foundation following his recognition in the Kings Birthday Honours today with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Chris’s contribution across the community in so many ways including defence, emergency services and disaster relief. Well done Chris and thank you for your incredible contribution.

Today board members Trent and Mathew attended the TRAG (Teenagers Road Accident Group) program and handed over a cheque for $10,000 to support their amazing program! TRAG has been providing road trauma presentations to Secondary Schools on and around the Mornington Peninsula and South East Melbourne since 1999 TRAG is widely acknowledged as an integral part of the local resources to reduce incidences of road trauma in the 15-25 age group, the most vulnerable age group in our community. For more information on TRAG, visit .au

Today, board member Chris May attended the Edithvale surf life saving club for their Blue Patrol. The main objective is to undertake a Patrol, for the purpose of highlighting Mental Health and Wellbeing Awareness, Belonging and Connection. Encouraging mental wellbeing champions, other club and team members as well as the local community to join the patrol embracing mental health and wellbeing. Chris has champion mental health for nearly 13 years since he was wounded in an action in a bomb blast in Afghanistan. Chris transition from the Australian defence force to the emergency services in 2017 and has been supporting first responders and their families ever since. Thanks to Jess and the ESLSC Committee for inviting us along.

Today is Silly Socks Day, remembering Steven Tougher on the anniversary of his passing. Help us remember our NSW Ambulance mate by showing your silly socks in the comments or using the hashtag. #sillysocksforsteve

Looking to find that little slice of inner peace! Our awesome friends at Frontline Wellness have a FREE yoga classes running at the Frankston Yacht Club on a Wednesday morning between 10-11am for the Victorian frontline community. These classes are aimed at current and former first responders (emergency services workers and volunteers incl. Police, PSO, PCO, FRV, AV, ESTA, SES). Classes are delivered by teachers who have lived experience of frontline work. Free to participants, smaller class size. Mats and props are supplied. Head to .au/ and book a mat!!

Free First Responder Yoga Classes!! This is a part of a 10 week program but we have some spare spots each week for drop in classes. If you’re about on Wednesday morning, come and check it out. Click the link to secure your spot on the mat! https://bit.ly/44LPv8C Classes are delivered by teachers with lived experience of frontline work. The program is free to participants and has a small class size.

Yesterday the team from 000 went out to visit our good friends at @unitingvictas Lifeline to see the amazing work that their staff and volunteers get up to! We can’t wait to see you all again very soon so we can hand over some big donations from our climbers at this years Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb! #Lifeline #mfsc23

Did you see us in the National firefighter magazine? #firefighter