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Firefighter Mick Bailey-Price admits he finds the final climb up Mount Ainslie during the annual Ainslie to Everest events pretty excruciating.But about three quarters of the way up the mountain his kids join him, he draws heavily on the energy of his teammates and he focuses on the cold beer waiting for him at the top. Not to mention the fact that every step he takes could help save a life.Mick is one of 25 ACT Fire and Rescue firefighters taking part in the Ainslie to Everest event on Saturday 26 October 2024 to raise critical awareness of, and funds for, Lifeline Canberra. The challenge is to climb the elevation of Mount Everest on the Mount Ainslie trail. To achieve this, five teams of firefighters will walk eight laps of Mount Ainslie, for a total of 40 laps, which represents 8,000m: the height of Mount Everest.<img alt="241009 - Ainslie To Everest_WebRes_18" class="richtext-image full-width" height="529" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/241009_-_Ainslie_To_Everest_WebRes_18.width-800.jpg" width="800">Ainslie to Everest was conceived in 2022 by firefighter Sean Guinard, who was grieving the loss of two friends to suicide. It didn’t take Sean long to convince fellow firefighters in Canberra to get on board and raise funds for Lifeline Canberra.“Give us a chance to raise money that includes a physical challenge and we’re in,” Mick laughs.“But honestly, there’s definitely a synergy between what Lifeline Canberra does and what emergency services do in providing that frontline support in times of crisis.“When we’re called out to a job, most of the time people are having the worst day of their lives, whether it&#x27;s a bad car crash, a small car crash, a fire or they&#x27;ve lost their house to fire: it&#x27;s often someone&#x27;s worst day.“It’s part of the job.“And professionally, it takes its toll on our mental health too. Lifeline Canberra is just one of the tools that’s available to us as well, if we’re having a hard time.”<img alt="241009 - Ainslie To Everest_WebRes_25" class="richtext-image full-width" height="529" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/241009_-_Ainslie_To_Everest_WebRes_25.width-800.jpg" width="800">The first Ainslie to Everest event in 2022 raised $55,000. Last year, that figure grew to $60,000. This year, ACT Fire and Rescue is hoping to raise $70,000; enough funding for Lifeline Canberra to service around 2,500 calls. For every $26 donated, Lifeline Canberra can help save one more life.In the 2022/23 financial year, Lifeline Canberra received 31,172 calls, providing 16,529 hours of crisis support. Of the calls received, 3,572 callers were experiencing suicidal thoughts and worked with a crisis supporter to keep safe.Ainslie to Everest kicks off at 6am for the firefighters taking part. From 10am, the public can head to the top of the mountain to tour a fire engine, meet fire and ambulance mascots, as well as ACT SES and ACT Rural Fire Service staff, and grab a free coffee from the Zango coffee van. (Your coffee is on us, but we are also accepting donations for those who want to donate.)The final lap is expected to be completed at the top of the mountain at 2pm.<img alt="241009 - Ainslie To Everest_WebRes_04" class="richtext-image full-width" height="529" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/241009_-_Ainslie_To_Everest_WebRes_04.width-800.jpg" width="800">Here at Zango, we’re thrilled to be on board as event sponsor and to have our coffee van at the top of Mount Ainslie between 8am and 12 noon. You can donate money via the Zango coffee vans attending this and next weekends&#x27; auctions.“Thanks to Zango, Lifeline Canberra will be able to fund more than 125 phone calls to help people in crisis,” Mick says.“The sponsors who’ve come on board have been amazing and will make a huge difference to how much we can actually raise.”For the first time ever, Ainslie to Everest will have a presence in local cafes via the ‘Coffee for a Mate’ initiative. Canberrans can buy a ‘metaphorical’ coffee at the time they purchase their own coffee, or place change in a converted fire hydrant near the counters.<img alt="241009 - Ainslie To Everest_WebRes_33" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1207" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/241009_-_Ainslie_To_Everest_WebRes_33.width-800.jpg" width="800">Cafes taking part in ‘Coffee for a Mate’ include the Zango coffee vans, U&amp;CO in Kaleen, Deakin &amp; Me in Deakin, Barton grocer, Bottega (also in Barton), Brew and Brew in the city and Margot Wine and Espresso Bar (by the lake).Zango’s Brand and Marketing Manager Andrew Sherer says ACT Fire and Rescue’s commitment and passion for supporting a good cause is inspiring.“Their essential resources and dedication extend well beyond emergency services,” Andrew says.<img alt="241009 - Ainslie To Everest_WebRes_16" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1207" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/241009_-_Ainslie_To_Everest_WebRes_16.width-800.jpg" width="800">“Their support of Lifeline Canberra in the Ainslie to Everest encapsulates the literal mountain to climb for those needing mental health support services and that the availability of a quick first response by phone or a coffee for a mate is a vital first step.“And with hundreds of thousands of ensuing steps ahead of the teams as they climb the elevation of Mount Everest, Zango is proud to support their fundraising efforts as colleagues, friends and mates – putting one foot in front of the other in support of each other and Lifeline Canberra for the capital’s mental health.”Ainslie to Everest fundraising event, Saturday 26 October 2024, top of Mount Ainslie from 10am (event concludes at 2pm). Donate to Ainslie to Everest&#x27;s Team Zango now at <a href="https://esaainslietoeverest24.gofundraise.com.au/page/Zango" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gofundraise</a>

ACT firefighters prepare to climb Mount Everest, but in Canberra

Thousands upon thousands of fireworks will explode in the Canberra night sky this Saturday night and boy, it’s been a long time coming.Iconic Canberra event Skyfire has been sorely missed from Canberra calendars for four years but it’s back in 2024 and text messages are flying across Whatsapp as groups and families organise where to sit to take in the awe-inspiring view.There are so many ways to experience Skyfire — including a few new ways that didn’t exist the last time the event lit up our skies — so we’ve developed a ‘how to’ guide below, no matter what type of experience you’re after. Skyfire&#x27;s on this Saturday 16 March 2024, from around 8.15pm.<h3 data-block-key="akg58">For those who want to make a night of it.</h3><img alt="margot" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/margot.width-800.jpg" width="800">Book a spot at a restaurant or bar. Our colleagues at Riotact developed <a href="https://the-riotact.com/canberras-best-venues-to-celebrate-in-when-skyfire-returns-to-lake-burley-griffin/746527" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this comprehensive list of places to eat and drink during the event</a>. Capitol Bar and Grill, at the QT, is introducing a Skyfire cocktail to its menu for the night, while Snapper &amp; Co at Yarralumla Yacht Club has declared March ‘Mexican Month’. The views from new wine and espresso bar Margot, located on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, look phenomenal.<h3 data-block-key="6s0lj">For those who want the easiest option ever.</h3><img alt="Screen Shot 2024-03-11 at 11.56.22 am" class="richtext-image full-width" height="593" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2024-03-11_at_11.56.22_am.width-800.png" width="414">Do what I do and head to the Australian-American Memorial (aka “the eagle” or the “bunny ears”) in front of Russell offices. You can pull straight into a carpark and crank your car radio to enjoy the show. And you get to drive off way ahead of the traffic. It’s great spot if you’ve got small kids as there’s a grassed area they can play in, but you won’t be able to see the fireworks exploding at lake level (which is a lot of them).<h3 data-block-key="5sgd0">For those who want a phenomenal view from up high.</h3><img alt="dairy farmers hill" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/dairy_farmers_hill.width-800.jpg" width="799">Head up one of our mountains. You’ll likely need to be there a couple of hours early, so take a picnic dinner to have before the major event starts at around 8.15pm. Options include Mount Ainslie, Mount Pleasant, Black Mountain, Red Hill and Dairy Farmers Hill behind the arboretum.Views from the Australian War Memorial and Anzac Parade are meant to be pretty spectacular too.<h3 data-block-key="93ijq">For those who want lakeside without the crowds.</h3><img alt="298081_kingston-foreshore-canberra-act-cafes-restaurants-" class="richtext-image full-width" height="484" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/298081_kingston-foreshore-canberra-act-cafes-r.width-800.jpg" width="662">There are a few spots along the lake’s edge that offer great (but not perfect) views, with lots less people. Try Black Mountain Peninsula, the National Rose Gardens, Acton Beach or Bowen Park.Sitting along the boardwalk at Kingston Foreshore is also a great option, and a super easy drive home for those who live in Queanbeyan or on the southside.<h3 data-block-key="5bsbr">For those who want the ultimate experience.</h3><img alt="skyfire crowds" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/skyfire_crowds.width-800.jpg" width="800">Did you really do Skyfire if you didn’t head to Regatta Point, the Carillon, or Patrick White Lawns? It’s a hard slog to view Skyfire from one of these locations but these are the best spots in the house by far. Remember to be prepared, get there nice and early and accept that getting home will take a while due to traffic.If you’re heading to one of these spots, here’s what to bring:<ul><li data-block-key="4c1sm">Camping chairs.</li><li data-block-key="a4o3k">Picnic blankets.</li><li data-block-key="eroa2">Jumpers.</li><li data-block-key="sehk">Something for the kids to do for several hours before the event (colouring-in, Uno).</li><li data-block-key="t939">Glow sticks.</li><li data-block-key="3hi8u">Esky packed with dinner, snacks and drinks.</li><li data-block-key="244u6">Fully charged phone (you can listen to the radio live on your phone).</li><li data-block-key="btu0b">Portable speaker.</li><li data-block-key="8k2ho">A garbage bag for rubbish.</li></ul>Zango is absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring Skyfire 2024, helping to return an iconic event to our skies.

The best spots to watch Skyfire this weekend (and what to bring)

It’s been a massive five years since Canberrans last sat on the banks of the lake and watched the sky explode in colour, but Skyfire is back this March and we’ve got the best tickets in town to give away!We’re stoked to be <a href="https://zango.com.au/news/were-stoked-to-be-sponsoring-the-return-of-skyfire-in-2024/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a major partner of Skyfire in 2024</a> and we’ve secured four double passes to the official Skyfire VIP function for four Canberrans (and their BFFs). The VIP function takes place at Regatta Point, kicking off in the early afternoon and offering the ultimate view of live performances and the fireworks over the lake.<img alt="Skyfire" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Skyfire.width-800.jpg" width="800">Each week between now and the event on Saturday 16 March 2024, we’ll feature a ‘cracker property’ at <a href="https://zango.com.au/promo/skyfire/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">zango.com.au/promo/skyfire</a>To win a double pass to the VIP function, you need to:&gt; Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zangocbr/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zango on Instagram</a> (@zangocbr)&gt; Watch the video at <a href="https://zango.com.au/promo/skyfire/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">zango.com.au/promo/skyfire</a>&gt; Tell us when the ‘cracker property’ will be auctioned&gt; Fill in the form with your contact details&gt; Hit ‘Submit’That’s it!<img alt="Skyfire performer" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Skyfire_performer.width-800.jpg" width="800">According to Zango brand and marketing manager Andrew Sherer, Skyfire 2024 is “an awesome comeback story that Zango just had to be a part of”.&quot;It&#x27;s the perfect way to start the year, surrounded by friends, family and the Canberra community,” Andrew says.“Zango has been lighting up Canberra’s colourful real estate landscape since 2020, with hundreds of cracker properties bursting onto the market weekly to buy, sell or rent.&quot;The cracker properties we’re launching as part of the competition come from right across Canberra. All people need to do is watch, listen or search a little, and let us know when the property is going to ‘go off’.&quot;<img alt="skyfire2" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/skyfire2.width-800.jpg" width="800">Skyfire 2024 will feature a stage on the north side of Lake Burley Griffin, where musical acts and hosts from both HIT104.7 and MIX106.3 will start the entertainment in the early afternoon.The main event – a 20-minute pyrotechnic display set to kick off around 8.15pm – will be launched from barges in the lake. The soundtrack will play simultaneously on both radio stations.Enter the competition and view our terms and conditions <a href="https://zango.com.au/promo/skyfire/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Watch the return of Skyfire from an incredible VIP function — all on us!

Our nation’s capital is blooming once again, as we say goodbye to frosty mornings and welcome the warm winds and vibrant colours of Canberra’s spectacular spring time.We’re all saddened by the absence of our city’s favourite seasonal event this year, with Floriade cancelled again due to COVID restrictions.But knowing that Canberrans can’t go to Floriade, Events ACT has gone the extra mile to bring Floriade to Canberrans through its community bulb plantings.Zango is a proud community partner for this initiative, and are tickled pink that there are now over 100 plantings across the territory in full bloom.<img alt="Community Flower Bed.JPG" class="richtext-image full-width" height="532" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Community_Flower_Bed.width-800.jpg" width="800">Ross Triffitt, Executive Branch Manager of Events ACT, says it’s disappointing that Canberrans and interstate visitors won’t be able to enjoy the traditional Floriade event this year, but they are grateful it could still go ahead with Floriade: Re-imagined and Floriade: Community.“Traditionally, we have a million bulbs and annuals professionally planted in Commonwealth Park,” says Ross. “To have Floriade reach more people and allow everyone to enjoy the flowers in a COVID-safe way, we asked community groups to express their interest in planting bulbs and annuals in their local areas. Last year we had over 80 community groups, schools and organisations involved, and that has increased to 100 this year!“The response was phenomenal and something we definitely didn’t anticipate.”While you’ll find some of the displays at local schools or shopping precincts, others are highly visible next to roads and public art. All are designed to brighten people’s day while they’re out exercising or doing essential activities.<img alt="Holt Shops Flower Bed.JPG" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Holt_Shops_Flower_Bed.width-800.jpg" width="800">“Floriade has traditionally marked the start of spring in Canberra – it’s a sign of better weather and being able to get out into the sunshine. In these difficult times, it’s brought joy to people who are exercising and coming across these flowers on their way. It’s the community groups doing the hard work in the design, planting and nurturing, and I know lots of Canberrans are very appreciative.”Ross adds that they are also very appreciative of community partners, such as Zango, whose support is vital to keeping the event running.“Zango is an ongoing partner of Floriade, and without the support of our partners we would not have the means or resources to deliver Floriade: Community. They’re essential to ensuring the program can continue each year, and that we have the resources to provide the bulbs and flowers to community groups for the benefit of all locals.“The willingness of the Canberra community to engage in the program means it doesn’t just add beauty and hope to the city this season, but invites people to work together to enhance their local space.”Most of the plantings across Canberra are now in full bloom, including planter boxes and pots that were destined for Commonwealth Park but have now been distributed throughout the city as part of Floriade: Reimagined.Looking for your local community planting? See the <a href="https://floriadeaustralia.com/floriade-community/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interactive map at Floriade Australia</a>. Images supplied courtesy of <a href="https://www.photox.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Photox</a>

4 news articles with tag sponsors

ACT firefighters prepare to climb Mount Everest, but in Canberra

The best spots to watch Skyfire this weekend (and what to bring)

Watch the return of Skyfire from an incredible VIP function — all on us!

Where to find Floriade’s spectacular community plantings