Image: Mackay’s fire, ambulance and police services faced off in a 60km swim challenge to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Connection and camaraderie were front and centre on Saturday when Mackay’s emergency services came together for Mackay Fire & Rescue's Annual 60km Swim Challenge.
Now in its third year, this year’s challenge was the first to pit the services against each other and while there was a competitive element to the day, the ultimate goal was to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health, a topic prevalent in the first response world.
“It’s just good getting everybody down in the one place,” said Firefighter and event organiser Kyle McCormack.
“It just breaks that stigma a bit, if everyone’s in one place and we’re all there for the same reason, you just have a sense of belonging.”
Queensland Fire & Emergency Services, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service all battled it out to reach the 60km mark first, with the ambos reaching the goal in just under three hours to claim the 60km Swim Event Shield.
“It’s a really good cause, raising money for men’s mental health and cancer,” Officer in Charge of QAS South Mackay Station Al Craig said.
“It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, it affects different people in different ways.
“I just think it’s great, the amount of turnout we’ve had, and a good day for everybody.”
Acting Constable at Sarina Criminal Investigation Branch Brett Wenzel agreed, saying QPS were happy to support the firies and the cause.
“It’s not just QPS, but all emergency services and all people in their daily lives, everyone goes through their ups and downs, and everyone’s got to be here to support each other and have each other’s backs day in, day out,” he said.
“It’s good to see all the families down here supporting men’s mental health, getting in the water and having a crack.”
Mackay Fire & Rescue are taking donations for their Movember cause for the rest of November, and you can donate by scanning the QR Code.
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