As the new year arrives, the Australian Firefighters Calendar, an initiative brought to life by a team of skilled firefighters – including two Greeks – continues the 31-year-old tradition with a collection of sizzling photos, all aimed at raising funds for various Australian charities.
For 2024, enthusiasts can choose from six editions of the calendar, indulging in images that feature the brave men alongside their adorable animal co-stars.
Calendar firefighters bringing Greek heat
More than 25 firefighters, including Greek Australian Michael Galanos, and Greek Canadian Steve Giannopoulos, collaborated across diverse backgrounds in aviation, the military, and urban fire services for a month-long photoshoot, to create these iconic editions.
Steve Giannopoulos, one of the select few firefighters featured in all six editions of the 2024 calendars, described his experience with the calendar team as “unreal.”
His participation in the calendar, also marked his first-ever trip to Australia, a place, that according to Giannopoulos, “has always been” on his “bucket list.”
“I hit two birds with one stone, getting to visit Australia and be part of the biggest firefighter calendar in the world. I got to meet some great people working behind the scenes and some awesome firefighters. Also, I’ve never held a koala in my life so that was pretty cool. The experience was awesome and I’m very happy with the end results now that the calendars are out,” Steve Giannopoulos told Neos Kosmos.
With his father hailing from Sparta, the Greek Canadian firefighter, stays close to his Greek heritage; growing up in Canada, he attended a private Greek school in elementary, surrounded by friends who were mostly of Hellenic heritage.
He shares that being a firefighter has been his “dream” since he “was a little boy.”
“I once wanted to be a firetruck not a firefighter; that’s the running joke in the family. I then grew up and realised they are not superheroes but real humans and that it’s a real job. It attracted me even more and once I got into the fire academy I fell in love and never looked back. ”
As a “normal firefighter,” Michael Galanos admits that the idea of “taking your top off and having a camera in your face is at first quite daunting.”
“The crew and other firefighters, some of whom have been doing this calendar for many years, are able to create a fun and relaxed environment, and once initial nerves are out of the way it is just incredibly fun. Animals, mates, laughs!” Galanos told Neos Kosmos.
The Greek Australian said that one of his favourite parts was being given the “opportunity to hold and interact with wildlife,” something he would “ordinarily never be able to do,” and deeply appreciates the charity aspect of this project.
“I love that the calendar is able to donate so much money towards some fantastic charities which do a lot for our injured and in need native animals.”
Growing up with Neos Kosmos in his home every week, and given that his brother, father, and grandfather, have all been featured in the newspaper’s articles, it was no surprise that he would continue the family tradition.
With his father born in Kavala and migrating to Australia in the late 50’s, Galanos says the main reason behind his choice to become a firefighter was “the desire to help and protect people and make a difference.”
The calendar legacy of firefighters making a difference since 1993
The Classic calendar, known to many, features each man posing shirtless for the camera.
This year, the introduction of the “Hero” Calendar adds a dynamic twist, capturing firefighters in action—unrolling hoses, climbing ladders, and standing amidst flames. Eagerly awaited editions also include those featuring brave men alongside lovable animals, such as the Cat edition, Dog edition, Horses edition, and Mixed Animals edition including from “cuddly koalas to playful kittens.”
Since 1993, the calendar has not only been a visual feast but a force for good, contributing over 3.4 million dollars to various charities across Australia. With a rich history of supporting animal refuges and Australian wildlife, the calendar remains committed to these causes, making a significant impact on Australia’s rural firefighters and children battling cancer through its donations.
Calendar heroes spreading awareness for Australian wildlife conservation
The global sensation-calendar, displayed on supporters’ walls in over 90 countries, features firefighters who have appeared on top TV shows and in renowned magazines, reaching audiences from Germany to Taiwan and from the US to Japan.
Using their popularity, these calendar heroes actively spread the crucial message of conserving Australian wildlife.
Proceeds from this year’s calendars will support various Australian organisations, including The Queensland Koala Society, Kids with Cancer Foundation, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, and Safe Haven Animal Rescue.
