While flicking through the 2025 edition of the Australian Firefighters Calendar, many of us on the WHO team had the same thought: rescue me! Back for its 32nd year, there are five new offerings, ranging from traditional hero shots to the firefighters posing with all sorts of animals – from dogs to koalas.
Having raised more than $3.5 million since it began in 1993, funds from this year’s sales will go to charities including Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and the Kids With Cancer Foundation.
Ricky, 35
What is your secret skill or talent?
I have a unique talent for choosing the slowest check-out line at any store. It’s like a sixth sense, but very useless.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Margot Robbie.
What is the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?
I surprised a special someone with a hot air balloon ride, before coming down to a picnic brunch with an amazing view all to ourselves.
What is your worst habit?
Underestimating how many snacks I need for a road trip or movie – I eat them all too fast.
How do you stay fit?
I like to do various different styles of training – gym, running, surfing and functional fitness sessions. I’m always mixing it up and keeping it fun.
What is your favourite TV show to binge?
Suits.
What is your idea of the perfect date?
My perfect date would be anything that involves nature, good company and lots of laughs.
What is your proudest achievement?
Showing up every day to be the best version of myself.
Mitch, 33
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Southeast Asia. It’s chaotic and wild, yet also safe and friendly.
What is your worst habit?
I’m prone to forgetting people’s names.
What is your idea of the perfect date?
A tandem bike ride to a secluded beach, followed by some frozen yogurt.
Why is being in the calendar important to you?
It allows me to experience things I wouldn’t otherwise and supports charitable wildlife causes.
What do you look for in a partner?
Someone who is ambitious and eager to share new and exciting experiences together.
Do you have any pets?
I don’t have a pet, but I occasionally feed a street cat.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Ana de Armas.
Paddy, 27
Why did you become a firefighter?
After leaving the army, I wanted to pursue a similar career where I could help people on their worst day and work alongside a great team of like-minded and motivated people.
What do you look for in a partner?
If you watch South Park and are somewhat nice to me, consider us married.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Absolutely! I believe in extreme curiosity at first sight, followed by a mix of confusion and severe panic.
What do you do for fun?
I love to get outside and go camping, surfing, diving – just anything outdoors or on the water, really!
Mal, 41
Why is being in the calendar important to you?
This is my sixth year in the calendar and I’ve made a lot of good friends with the other fireys. Each year, I count myself lucky to be involved and support so many different charities.
What is your worst habit?
Probably leaving my shirt on the back of the couch. As soon as I get home, it’s shirt off, throw it over the couch and walk away.
What is your favourite binge watch?
Yellowstone, Game of Thrones and Yellowjackets.
Do you have any pets?
Not at the moment, but I’m definitely a dog person.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Japan. I love the snow and going snowboarding. Japan is a great, easy place to visit and always so much fun.
What is the most romantic thing you have ever done?
Unfortunately, I’m not a big, elaborate romantic type of person. It seems a bit cheesy to me. I’m more of a do lots of small, random nice things as often as possible person.
How do you stay fit?
I also run a CrossFit gym. I train about five times a week on average.
Richard, 40
What is your secret talent or skill?
I can play the bass guitar. And I have a great talent for getting out of trouble.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Jennifer Lopez. Always has been and always will be.
What is your proudest achievement?
My two amazing kids.
What do you look for in a partner?
Someone that I will be best mates with. Someone I can have drinks and endless fun with. Someone smart, driven and who knows what she wants.
What is the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?
I told my then girlfriend we were going for a drive up the coast for dinner. I booked out a penthouse suite, covered it in rose petals, went out for a sunset walk and proposed to my wife at sunset on our favourite beach.
Why is being in the calendar important to you?
Over 10 years ago, when I started with it, we used to donate money to the burns unit in Queensland. It was a way to be able to help kids and families when they needed it most. Now, we help people and communities all over the world.
Visit australianfirefighterscalendar.com
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