Greek-Australian firefighter Michael Galanos chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about helping charities with the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar.
How did it feel to be a part of the 2026 Australian Firefighters calendar?
Every year it is an absolute honour to be part of the Australian Firefighters Calendar. The work the Calendar does each year for different charities is incredible, and to have just a small part to play in that is hugely rewarding.
We are genuine, run of the mill firefighters, and no matter how many times you do it, its still pretty daunting taking the top off in front of a bunch of cameras, and shooting for the 2026 was no different.
It supports so many charities; why are they so important to you?
As firefighters we are there to help, whether it be helping people or animals, and the calendar is there to do the same. There is a plethora of charities that the calendar has supported over the years, from hospital burns units through to animal shelters and much more.
Earlier in the year, we saw the devastating effects the LA bushfires had in Pasadena; and this spoke to me personally as a firefighter as we have similar ruthless wildfires in Australia.
The Australian Firefighters calendar was able to raise additional funds, through the sales of a special addition calendar, to support the Pasadena Humane Society who cared for hundreds of animals which were injured or displaced by the fires. This is just one example of why this calendar is so important and why I’m motivated to be a part of it.
How long have you been a firefighter and what do you love most about the profession?
I have been a firefighter for almost 9 years. It is my dream job and I absolutely love going to work each. What makes it so great is the mateship and bonds we make with our fellow shift mates, and also the public who we help. To go to work with your best mates everyday with the sole goal to help those in need is a pretty incredible feeling.
What’s it like working with David Rogers?
David Rogers is possibly the MOST Australian bloke you will ever come across! He looks Australian, and sounds Australian… think Crocodile Dundee meets Russell Crowe. Its unbelievable to work with a person who has so much passion and love for what he does. He has built this calendar into almost a pop-culture icon.
The thing about David is that he cares so much about , not only the causes that the calendar donates to, but also the firefighters who represent the Calendar. He treats us like a family, never wants any credit, and constantly tells us that we are true super heroes.
I’ve personally seen him hand out huge cheques to charities all over the world (Australia, USA, Hong Kong, Taiwan), and it takes a genuinely special type of person to do that.
How many years have you been doing the calendar?
I have been doing the Calendar for three years now. Hopefully I can stay as fit and healthy as possible and be part of it for a few more years, but we will see! There is always pressure from new younger guys who are eager to give the calendar a crack themselves.
What motivates you each day as a firefighter?
What motivates me each day as a firefighter is the desire to make a difference and help people in need. To help those, who often cant help themselves drives me everyday.
Through or job we are exposed to some pretty horrific incidents which can make the job difficult and confronting at times, but opposingly nothing beats the great feeling you get from being able to successful help someone and walk away with your crew, pat each other on the back, knowing you have made a difference.
What do your plans for the future include?
Personally I have a young family now and my future plans pretty much revolves around them. I generally don’t like to look to far into the future, so enjoying my kids, staying healthy and happy and continuing to travel the world with them and my partner is what I hopefully see in the near future.
I was lucky enough to travel to LA earlier in the year with the Australian Firefighters Calendar, and hopefully there’s a visit to New York is in the not to distant future as well!
What does the word success mean to you?
Success to me has nothing to do with monetary rewards or status or anything like that. If I can love what I do, be around people who I love and who love me, than that’s all I need to consider myself to be successful. Success to me is love and happiness, and honestly they can sometimes be harder to find than you think.
What would you like to tell our readers about the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar… What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it?
Its fun! Its always fun! Each year is bigger and better than the next. Whether you want it cos you love animals, love firemen, want it for yourself, want it for a present; whatever the reason just know that while your smiling the charities who get the donations will be smiling with you.
For more information on the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar, visit the official website, and follow the calendar on Instagram.
