Twelve months ago, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) hosted a special edition of Fire Ops 101, which brought together leaders in cancer research and advocacy for a unique day of learning and reflection.
Among the distinguished guests were Australian of the Year, Professor Georgina Long AO, Co-Medical Director of the Melanoma Institute Australia, and Todd Harper AM, CEO of Cancer Council Victoria. The event featured a Cancer Conversation Hour, joined by Alex Forrest, where participants discussed the challenges of cancer, prevention strategies, and the continuing work to improve outcomes for patients and families.
For one participant, the event carried a deeply personal meaning. They spent time with Professor Long and spoke with her about Brett’s melanoma battle. Professor Long expressed her sorrow at not being able to save him, but her pioneering research had given Brett and his family something profoundly valuable: time. Thanks to advances in melanoma treatment, Brett survived almost seven years after being diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma carrying one of the most difficult mutations to treat.
The Fire Ops 101 program has always been more than just an opportunity to step into a firefighter’s shoes. On that day, it also served as a powerful platform to highlight occupational cancers, to showcase the impact of medical research, and to connect personal stories with groundbreaking scientific progress.
One year later, the memories of that event continued to resonate — a reminder of the courage of firefighters, the dedication of researchers, and the compassion that fuels the ongoing fight against cancer.
