Red Centre residents encouraged to jump on board this Movember
As one federal electorate continues to experience alarming health outcomes for men, Territorians are being encouraged to help foster change in a unique way.
Territorians are being issued a “rallying cry” to grow a mo as a rural Territory electorate continues to experience alarming health outcomes for men.
Movember kicked off Saturday, with people all across the Territory encouraged to get on board raise funds for men’s mental health.
“Men’s health isn’t enough of a priority,” Movember co-founder Travis Garone said.
“Our healthcare systems often don’t meet men where they are especially in rural and remote areas — and too many fall through the cracks.
“The moustache is our rallying cry – it gets people talking, laughing, and most importantly, acting. Every Mo grown and every conversation sparked can save a life.”
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics for Lingiari, the federal electorate which covers almost all of the Territory, shows suicide and self harm as the highest cause of death for men aged 15-44.
Male premature mortality rates are also the highest in Lingiari, according to the same dataset.
Movember raises funds for men’s mental health, testicular and prostate cancer research, and suicide prevention.
Since 2003, Movember has raised more than a billion dollars and funded more than 1300 men’s health projects worldwide
CLP Braitling MLA Josh Burgoyne, whose electorate covers half of Alice Springs, said he was again getting on board for the cause this year.
“My grandfather had prostate cancer, so the cause is very personal,” he said.
“I also think it is important to raise awareness for men’s health.”
Labor Gwoja MLA Chansey Paech, whose Territory electorate covers the rural area west of Alice Springs, said while he was “always rocking the mo” he would be donating to those who took part this year.
“Anything that raises awareness is of great importance,” he said.
Australian boxer Harry Garside is also jumping on board the cause, and is encouraging others to join as well.
“I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a lot of Australia, visiting cities and meeting with locals in suburban, regional and rural towns, like Alice Springs, so I understand the need for men’s health support nationally, so we encourage Aussies to get behind the cause and grow a mo, or move host or come up with your own challenge to raise much needed funds,” he said.
To sign up to raise funds visit the Movember website.
Originally published as Red Centre residents encouraged to jump on board this Movember
