It is out with the beards and in with the moustaches for Hobart workers at Hutchinson Builders, which is taking its annual Movember campaign national this year.
The company’s Hobart crew kicked off the month with a team shave-off at Crackerjack Barbershop before heading to the New Sydney Hotel to celebrate, with workers now growing their moustaches throughout November to raise money for men’s health.
Site foreman Joey McAuley said the local team typically raised about $25,000 for Movember each year.
This year, the Hobart workers approached the wider company about getting involved, with the national campaign expected to raise significantly more for men’s health.
“We’re now doing Hutchies nationally for Movember and we’re set to raise a whole heap more for men’s health,” McAuley said.
Hutchinson Builders, which McAuley described as Australia’s biggest privately owned building company, employs about 50 people in its Hobart crew.
With construction a predominantly male industry, McAuley said mental health and suicide prevention were particularly important causes for workers.
Movember also raises funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer.
“Construction suicide rates are through the roof, so everyone’s trying to do everything they can to sort of prevent that,” he said.
“For this sort of thing, it’s just such a great cause to try and knock that on the head as much as we can.”
McAuley said workers had embraced the campaign, with many happy to part with their facial hair for the month.
“They love it,” he said. “It’s so much fun. They just sort of get stuck in.”
“Everyone gets rid of their facial hair and looks like they’re about five years old again.”
The team will spend November fundraising before bringing the campaign to a close with another celebration at the end of the month.
Donations can be made here.
