IT’S A TOUGH JOB BUT SOMEONE HAS TO DO IT, AND THE LUCKY GIRL IS CAROLYN DONOVAN WHO ORGANISES THE VICTORIAN FIREFIGHTERS CALENDAR EACH YEAR
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ARE HEATING UP By Melissa Walsh Photos Yanni
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arried to a 30 year veteran firefighter, Carolyn has seen first-hand the good they do for the community, but also the devastating effects fire can have on families and in particular children. It was for this reason she decided to start the calendar two years ago.
“The first calendar release was in 2015 but I started the concept the year before. I have seen the firefighters confronted by traumatic incidents through their work and so I decided to bring light-heartedness to them and raise money for a children’s charity at the same time,” said Carolyn who donates all the proceeds to the Monash Children’s Hospital. “I decided to do a calendar as the concept wasn’t around in Victoria and was unique to Victorian firefighters.” Tempting men to disrobe for a calendar shoot started with an advertisement saying they were looking for firefighters to volunteer themselves for the calendar. “When we put the call out for people to appear in the calendar we select the first 14 applicants as it is possible with such a career that one or two might not be available for the photo shoot,” said Carolyn. “The firefighters fill out an application with personal
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24 | PENINSULA
July 2017