Australian firefighter Matt Haydon chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about raising money for charities with the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar.
Sir Arthur C. Clarke once said: “The limits of the possible can only be defined by going beyond them into the impossible.” This quote applies to Matt Haydon, 47.
The Australian Firefighters Calendar is an Australian owned and operated company. Although it is not a charity, it has donated over $3.5 million to both animals and people in need since 1993.
Being a part of the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar
On being a part of this year’s calendar, he exclaimed, “It is such a great feeling. I always get excited when it comes time to travel to the Gold Coast for the shoot. David (Rogers) always has some random crazy ideas that always turn out to be gold – he definitely has the Midas touch with those types of things.”
“It is also great to catch up with the lads from the other Fire Brigades from around Australia who I’ve formed friendships with over the last five years, and the crew from the Calendar who do all the heavy lifting behind the scenes. It really has become like a second family to me,” he acknowledged.
On the significance of the charity component of the calendar, he remarked, “I love that we can provide a voice and some support to those that can’t speak for themselves.”
“The charities themselves are doing a phenomenal job and if we can help bring awareness to them in any way, then that’s a good thing,” he added.
The firefighting profession
Haydon has been a firefighter for almost eight years at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in Western Australia, where he is currently serving at the Bunbury fire station. “What I love most about the profession is turning up to incidents and trying to make someone’s worst day a little bit better because let’s face it — no one ever calls us when they’re having a good day,” he noted.
“I also like seeing the faces of little kids light up when they see us drive past in the big red truck too,” he exclaimed.
Working with David Rogers
Haydon had great words about working with David Rogers, the director of the Australian Firefighters Calendar.
“David Rogers would have to be the most humble, giving, down-to-earth person I know – beneath his tough exterior is a super sensitive guy who has made such a positive impact on so many lives, both humans and animals,” Haydon said.
“If I could make even 1/100th of the impact that Dave has made, I’ll be a happy man – the world could do with more people like Dave and I’m happy that I can call him a friend,” Haydon acknowledged.
This marks Haydon’s fifth year doing the Australian Firefighters Calendar. “Presently, I am in the process of dropping weight and getting in shape for my sixth year, which is never fun over summer….but the results of what we are able to achieve with the proceeds of the calendar make it worth it,” he explained.
Daily motivations as a firefighter
Regarding his daily motivations as a firefighter, Haydon stated, “While I enjoy being a firefighter and serving my community, what motivates me daily is my crew that I work with. I don’t ever want to be a burden to them — I want them to know that they can always count on me to do my job, and to do it well.
Haydon on the aftermath of the Bondi Beach shooting
Haydon shared some ways that people can help out with the aftermath of the Bondi Beach massacre. “People can help out by just being nice to each other,” he said. “A friendly smile and a wave to a stranger can change someone’s whole day! We are all (me included) absorbed in our own little worlds that we sometimes forget to look up every now and then and appreciate what is going on around us.”
Haydon on staying fit and youthful at 47
For Haydon, age is just a number. While he is 47, he manages to stay fit and youthful looking by staying active.
“I’ve always been active playing sports like rugby when I was younger,” he said. “I served in the military for 13 years as a Navy Diver and there is a huge emphasis on strength and fitness in that branch, which I’ve carried on in my civilian life.”
“Nowadays, I do CrossFit six times a week. (I actually qualified and competed in the Masters Crossfit Games in 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama, which was a massive personal goal achieved for me). The big secret to my youthfulness is no kids…which equals no stress,” he said with a sweet laugh.
Future plans
Regarding his future plans, Haydon revealed, “I think a lot about the closer I get to 50 and then towards retirement! I think I’ll spend maybe another15 or so years in the Fire Brigade during which time I’ll look at getting a boat and caravan so I’ll have things to do once I finish working.”
“I would like to travel more to places I haven’t been to yet. My partner and I went on a cruise last year, and she informs me that we’ll be doing more of that…so I guess we’ll be doing more of that,” he said with a sweet laugh.
Success
On his definition of the word success, Haydon explained, “Success, to me, comes in many forms – having my health as I head into my 50s, having great relationships with family and friends, having the time and freedom to do what I want to do.”
“Also, leaving a positive impression on those that I come into contact throughout my time on this planet,” he added.
Closing thoughts on the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar
For fans, he remarked about the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar, “There is something in it for everyone! If you’re a dog person, we have one for you, if you’re a cat person, we have that too – if you love cuddly Australian farm animals or horses, you guessed it…we’ve got you covered.”
“If you just like looking at the firefighters, then you’ll love the ‘Hero’ calendar,” he exclaimed. “Myself and all the team at the Australian Firefighters Calendar would love for you to purchase one as the proceeds really do make a huge difference to all the wonderful charities we support.”
To learn more about the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar, check out its official website, and follow its Instagram page.
