-By Sharnte Butler-

Firefighters from Maryborough, Hervey Bay and surrounds are excited to be running our annual Movember – Move It event this year on Sunday, 1 November, from 0900–1100hrs at Ululah Lagoon.

This year, local firefighters will be taking on the challenge of collectively walking 60km, representing the 60 men who lose their lives to suicide every hour across the globe. Firefighters will be completing the walk while wearing their full structural firefighting turnout gear and breathing apparatus, highlighting the physical and mental challenges faced by emergency service personnel and the importance of looking after our mates.

This event is particularly meaningful to our crew, as we sadly lost one of our own firefighters last year. Many of us will be participating in his memory and using the event as an opportunity to come together, remember him and raise awareness around men’s mental health.

We would love to see members of the local community come down and support the event. There will be an opportunity to meet local firefighters, chat with members of the emergency services, check out the fire trucks and equipment, support local businesses and even join us for a lap of the walk.

Whether you come down for a quick chat, bring the family, complete a lap with us, or simply show your support, everyone is welcome.

Most importantly, the event is about starting conversations and reminding the men in our lives that it is okay to ask for help and that no one has to face things alone.

All funds raised through the event will be donated directly to the Movember Foundation, supporting programs and initiatives focused on men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

We would love your support in helping us make this year’s event a great success and continuing to raise awareness for an issue that affects so many people in our community.

Together, we can move for those who can’t.

www.movember.com/t/qfes-maryborough