A Point Cook volunteer firefighter of Indian origin is preparing to swap emergency call-outs for one of Australia’s toughest charity challenges, climbing 28 floors in full firefighting gear to raise funds for cancer research, mental health services and support for emergency service workers.
Karthick Thanigaimani, a volunteer with the Country Fire Authority (CFA), will take part in the annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb on 12 September, tackling the demanding ascent while carrying approximately 25 kilograms of protective equipment.
The event aims to raise $1 million for Lifeline Australia, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the 000 Foundation, while also raising awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among firefighters and other emergency service personnel.
“On September 12th, I’ll be climbing 28 floors in 25kg of kit and helping to raise $1 million supporting our beneficiaries, Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000 Foundation,” Thanigaimani said.
“This is in addition to supporting PTSD. I kindly request you to help me step up to fight cancer, depression and suicide.”
This year’s climb marks Thanigaimani’s ninth consecutive participation in the event, reflecting his long-standing commitment to supporting first responders and improving mental health awareness.
A software architect by profession, Thanigaimani regularly transitions from his corporate role to frontline emergency response whenever an incident alert is issued.
“I’m usually at work when an alert arrives. It could be a bushfire, a domestic fire, an accident or any other disaster—you can’t predict it,” he shared earlier in a newsletter.
“In that moment, my role changes. I need to act swiftly and my team at Cognizant understands this and fully supports me.”
After notifying his manager, he joins fellow volunteers from the CFA or the State Emergency Service (SES) before responding to emergencies across Victoria.
“When you choose to serve people, you don’t wait for perfect conditions. You simply show up, because someone’s worst day can’t wait.”
Thanigaimani said volunteering had given him a profound sense of purpose since migrating to Australia.
“It all started when I moved to Australia. I wanted to give back to the community that welcomed me.”
He initially served in administrative roles before becoming a firefighter and now holds the rank of Lieutenant, leading volunteer crews during emergency operations.
Over the past decade, he has responded to numerous life-threatening incidents, including bushfires and serious road crashes.
“I’ll never forget the day we pulled an elderly couple from a bushfire in Victoria. Or the time we helped save three lives after a serious car crash.”
Beyond emergency response, Thanigaimani is passionate about improving awareness of PTSD among firefighters and other emergency personnel, who are regularly exposed to traumatic events.
He said the annual stair climb symbolises the physical and emotional challenges firefighters face while helping communities.
Funds raised through the event support crisis intervention, cancer treatment and research, and mental health services for emergency workers and Australians in need.
Community service is also a family commitment. His wife volunteers with the CFA, while their children regularly assist in non-operational community activities.
Thanigaimani hopes his participation will inspire others to contribute to their communities in whatever way they can.
“Over the years, I’ve learned that there’s always someone who needs help,” he said.
“You don’t need a uniform or special skills to lend a hand, and no help is too small—even an hour a month can make an impact.”
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