Brian and Liz Davies
For retired firefighter, entrepreneur and philanthropist Brian Davies, walking for a cause has become a powerful way to bring people together and support life-changing medical research.
A former National President of the National Fire Industry Association of Australia and long-time supporter of Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR) and the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), Brian has spent years combining his passion for philanthropy with his love of trekking.
Alongside his wife, Liz, he has completed fundraising walks across some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes, helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for research into brain disease, cancer, respiratory illness and veteran health.
Brian is again bringing that vision to the fire industry community through the inaugural Fire Industry Walk for Charity, taking place from 2–6 September 2026 at O’Reilly’s in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
The five-day trek will see participants walk through the spectacular World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest while raising funds for GMR and QBI. Together, trekkers will aim to raise $250,000 to support vital research into conditions including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, anxiety and depression, cancer, respiratory disease and the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.
Ahead of the walk, we spoke with Brian about the inspiration behind the event, his commitment to giving back and what he hopes participants will take away from the experience.
What does the Fire Industry Walk mean to you?
The Fire Industry Walk for Charity is my way of bringing our great industry together and giving back in a meaningful way via supporting medical research for over 20 different programs and in doing so also provide support our veterans and first responders.
Each year, the participants on the walk are from such varied backgrounds. How do you choose who to invite on the walk?
Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds, professions and life experiences, but they all share a common desire to make a difference. Interestingly, I have never invited people to join the walks. Every participant has approached me because they wanted to be involved and support the cause. It’s never about how much money someone can raise. What matters is their willingness to contribute, be part of a team and help create a positive outcome for the charities. Along the way, we also make sure there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the experience, build friendships and have some fun together.
You’ve spent more than 45 years in the fire protection industry and have always been passionate about giving back. What role do you believe businesses and industry leaders can play in supporting medical research and improving lives?
Business leaders have a unique opportunity to lead a charitable life and teach the next generation the importance of giving back, this giving back can look like many things, not just money. The fire industry and its suppliers are blessed as there are so many genuine business leaders who do not hesitate to give back in many ways, and often, I am very proud of this aspect of our industry.
The Fire Industry Walk for Charity has a fundraising goal of $250,000 this year. What impact do you hope these funds will have for veterans, families and patients who may benefit from the research being undertaken by GMR and the Queensland Brain Institute?
What motivates me is knowing these funds are making a real difference. When I see the important work being undertaken by QBI in areas such as epilepsy research, and the research GMR conducts on the impacts of PTSD and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, it reinforces why we do this. Every dollar raised helps support research and programs that have the potential to change lives.
