Eumundi Voice - Issue 105, 31 October 2024

COMMUNITY

Movember – changing lives and challenging faces

November not only signals the heady tentative early steps into an Australian summer but trumpets the return of that rare Australian mammal – the ‘Movember Man’. From 1 November otherwise cleanly shaven and facialfur bereft individuals are suddenly propelled into a cat and mouse game with their razors as they challenge themselves to grow moustaches and change the face of men’s health, all in the name of a very worthy cause – Movember.

Movember is an annual event with funds raised to support the biggest health issues facing men: mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Men die on average 5yrs earlier than women and largely for preventable reasons. Males account for 75% of all suicide deaths.

This year funds raised will also go to Qld Remote Area Tracking (QRAT) – a self-funded, volunteer organisation – largely comprised of defence

force veterans who work tirelessly to relieve the suffering, misfortune and helplessness of those who are lost or are the victims of natural disaster. Funds raised will be used to purchase an equipment trailer to enable them to undertake this invaluable work.

The mighty men and women of Eumundi are banding together at the Imperial Hotel Eumundi on 1 November in the beer garden from 5-7pm to again support this worthy cause. Since 2016, a “rag tag” group of misfits from across the region have joined the fight and ditched the razor. In the process they have raised thousands of dollars.

With the support of the Imperial Hotel in Eumundi, events are organised, beers are shared, raffles and conversations started. Events include frisbee games, clay pigeon shooting, Movember Speakeasy event, “Hairy Hikes,” a drive-in movie night and a car rally. Movember packs are also available for $70 which include: a T-shirt, bag, wrist band and car sticker – and the warm and fuzzy feeling of doing good and contributing to a great cause!

Movember is not just about raising money – it’s about beginning conversations, challenging men to reach out and seek support and creating a culture where men feel safe in asking for help. Remember – it ain’t scary to be hairy!

For more information text Trent on 0458 128 020. Visit: qrat.org.au.