A 790-kilometre walk to raise funds for brigade
Malmsbury Fire Brigade Lieutenant Billy Law will be walking 790 kilometres in Spain over 35 days to raise funds for his brigade and to raise awareness of mental health among volunteers.
One of Billy's lifelong dreams is to walk the Camino de Santiago, and he will begin his journey this September to mark the milestone of turning 50 years old.
Billy is using this opportunity to raise funds to support Malmsbury volunteers so they have the right equipment to carry out duties safely.
Billy also wants to use the walk to raise awareness for better mental health among emergency services workers and volunteers.
Emergency services workers and volunteers are twice as likely to experience mental health problems than the general population.
"Since joining CFA three years ago, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by bushfires, including the most recent fire at Harcourt," Billy said.
"While fighting fires can be physically exhausting, it's often the emotional and mental impact that takes much longer to recover from. This brings back to why I am walking the Camino."
Over the past five years, Billy has experienced the loss of immediate family members as well as a beloved fur baby. Although Billy said he is mentally OK, deep down he feels that the right thing for him to do is to carry this grief on a long walk where he will have the opportunity to reflect, remember and perhaps find some peace along the way.
BIlly's goal is to raise $7,900 - that's $10 per kilometre. Half the funds raised will support Malmsbury Fire Brigade members by purchasing vital equipment, including torches for wildfire helmets and structural fighting gear.
Funds will also be used to support members’ wellbeing by helping cover the costs of functions, events and activities that bring volunteers together.
The remaining 50 per cent of funds raised will go to important initiatives that support mental health for emergency services workers and volunteers.
To follow Billy's progress, visit Malmsbury Fire Brigade's Facebook page.