Karthick Thanigaimani has added another climb to his tally. This time, his 11th stair challenge, hauling 28 kilograms of firefighting gear up 25 floors to raise funds for cancer research and mental health support. The annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, held on 6 September 2025, brought together hundreds of volunteers with one goal in mind: reaching one million dollars to combat cancer, depression and suicide.
Karthick shared a short message after completing the challenge: “Completed my 11th stair climb climbing 25 floors with 28kgs of gear. Thanks everyone for your support by donating to a noble cause. Thank you.”
The event is not about simulation or ceremony. Participants wear full CFA turnout gear including breathing apparatus, boots and protective clothing. The total weight is close to 28 kilograms, worn throughout the climb. There are no shortcuts. It is a vertical challenge with a fundraising purpose, and it requires stamina, focus and commitment to finish.
For Karthick, it is a cause worth the effort. He has seen both physical and emotional consequences of illness and emergency up close, through years of volunteering with the Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Services and mental health organisations. As a first responder, he has responded to fire calls, natural disasters and critical incidents. He has also worked on the quieter frontlines of community service—certifying documents, helping neighbours and promoting Indian music and cultural events in Melbourne’s west.
He became a volunteer with the CFA nearly a decade ago. “Not because of one dramatic moment, but because of a growing pull in my heart to give back,” he told The Indian Sun in an earlier interview.
What began as a quiet commitment has since expanded into multiple roles. He is now a Justice of the Peace, a mental health ambassador, a local educator and a regular face at community fundraisers and awareness events. In the stair climb, all those threads come together. It is physical. It is public. It is directly tied to both cancer care and mental health awareness—areas Karthick continues to support.
His involvement with the Mental Health Foundation began during the COVID period, when the demands of emergency work collided with growing community distress. He wanted to help others process the emotional weight of isolation and anxiety. “One important insight I’ve gained about mental health is that many individuals may feel hesitant or not yet ready to openly discuss their struggles,” he said. “This is a sensitive and critical issue. If you are facing challenges or feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to reach out.”
That approach is reflected in how he trains and prepares for emergencies. Weekly physical drills are part of his CFA routine, but so is mental clarity and planning. “We learn to adapt, to think quickly, to support one another no matter what lies ahead,” he said.
Family support has played a central role in enabling his volunteering life. His wife, Ranjani, and sons, Adarsh and Trinay, are not bystanders. They have helped organise events, participated in fundraisers and adjusted to the unpredictable schedule that comes with fire service callouts. “There’s a deep sense of pride in our household,” he said. “Yes, there are moments of worry, especially during high-risk deployments, but that worry is always wrapped in love and understanding.”
His sons, he adds, are fascinated by firefighting gear, the big red trucks and the idea of helping others. When the pager goes off, they understand why he needs to leave. “In their eyes, I’m not just their dad. I’m someone who stands up for others. And that’s a legacy I’m proud to share with them.”
Outside the uniform, Karthick works in IT. It is a job that sharpens his problem-solving skills and pays the bills, but he is the first to say that volunteering has shaped him more deeply. “It has taught me resilience, empathy and the importance of teamwork in ways that office work rarely can.”
He is not someone who waits for ideal conditions. Whether helping a neighbour with documents as a Justice of the Peace or climbing a stairwell with 28 kilograms strapped to his back, he finds a way to make time. He often tells others who are unsure about where to begin: “Start small. Whether that’s volunteering a few hours, joining a local group, or just helping a neighbour.”
The fundraiser he took part in this year is aiming for one million dollars across all climbers. The funds support cancer research, depression treatment programs and crisis support for people at risk of suicide. Karthick’s individual donation page, verified by the organisers, is open to contributions. All donations are tax deductible, and donors can include a personal message of support.
“It’s the kind of cause where every little bit counts,” he said. “And I’m grateful to those who have backed me on this.”
https://www.firefighterclimb.org.au/donations/donate/karthickthanigaimani/
If you are a volunteer in the community, whether you’re helping one person or many, we’d love to hear your story. Write to us at sid@indiansun.com.au
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
