Media releases

Friday, 6 November 2009

Snowdon to shave off signature mo for charity 

Federal Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon says he’s willing to shave off his trademark moustache in the name of men’s health.

Mr Snowdon is taking part in Movember, an annual charity event held every November to help raise awareness and funding for men’s health.

He says he’ll remove his signature mo, if he can raise $50,000.

“People joke that I was born with a moustache. I’ve had this mo for 40 years. I started growing it when I was 19.

“I’ve only shaved it off twice in that time, in 1978 and 1988.

“So, I’m putting the challenge out there to the public and to help me raise enough money to remove it. It will be a historic moment for me if it comes off.”

The Minister, who is also responsible for Indigenous Health, and Regional Services Delivery, says it’s a light-hearted way to emphasise the seriousness of men’s health.

“On average, Australian men have a life expectancy five years less than Australian women.”

The Rudd Government is developing Australia’s first-ever National Male Health Policy because we recognise the need for more attention to be given to men’s health.

“It will focus on reducing the barriers that men experience in accessing health services, making health services more male-friendly, addressing the reluctance of some men to seek treatment, and raising awareness of preventable health problems,” Mr Snowdon says.

The policy is due to be released at the end of this year.

To sponsor Minister Snowdon go to http://au.movember.com/mospace/344612

All the money raised from Movember will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue, the national depression initiative.

Media contact:

Alice Plate, 04000 45 999

Copyright © 2004-5 Warren Snowdon MP. This page was last updated on 12 November 2009.