Townsville’s Nick Attam marks 10th year of taking part in Movember

A Townsville man is reflecting on his decade-long journey participating in Movember by sharing the heartfelt reason he started raising funds.

Nick Attam is marking his 10th year of taking part in Movember.

For ten years Townsville’s Nick Attam has been growing his trademark handlebar moustache each November, raising almost $18,000 over the last decade.

Movember is an annual fundraiser founded in 2003 in which participants grow a moustache throughout the month of November with money raised going towards mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer research and programs.

Nick Attam is marking his 10th year of taking part in Movember.

Marking his 10th time participating in Movember, Mr Attam, who is known for his work as part of the Townsville Indian community, said he was first inspired to join following his friend’s diagnosis with prostate cancer.

“He was hesitant to go and see the doctor, and he didn’t realise it was prostate cancer,” he said.

“That year, I was talking to friends and people and realised men’s health is taken for granted, and sometimes we don’t take it seriously or discuss it.”

Mr Attam said he wanted to break the stigma of men seeking help for physical and mental health issues.

Movember 2023: Two mates David Moyle and Nick Attam understand the importance of checking in, and use Movember as an awareness campaign for suicide prevention. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“Over the years, I have seen friends and family members struggle with mental health challenges, and I really wanted to do something and do my part, break the stigma, encourage conversations and let people know it’s okay not to be okay,” he said.

Know for his signature ‘stache during Movember, Mr Attam said his facial hair has become a point of conversation in his work and daily life.

“The last ten years in Townsville, people don’t see me with a moustache at all on a normal day,” he said.

“Some people actually remind me in October saying, ‘Ten days to go, mate.’ So lots of people know me and Movember and are anticipating me growing the moustache.”

Apart from raising funds, Mr Attam said the main goal was to start conversations.

“I am open to talking to anyone. Walking down the street, saying hello to people. Wherever I go, I make sure I’ll have a conversation,” he said.

“Check on your mates, colleagues, fathers, brothers. Men’s mental health is so important.”

Mr Attam is hoping to raise $5000 during this year’s Movember.

For more information or to donate visit Nick Attams’ Movember page.

Originally published as Townsville’s Nick Attam marks 10th year of taking part in Movember