Today, South Australia Police (SAPOL) launched their 2025 support for Movember hosting the Great Emergency Services Shave Down.
Held at the SAPOL Academy, the event helped raise awareness of men’s health issues that impact emergency service workers and the community they help, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and men’s suicide.
SAPOL cadets, police, volunteers, and guests were onsite gaining vital information, sharing experiences, and participating in preparations for a momentous month of moustache growing.
Local barber, The Mad Barber shaved clean several faces, while others enjoyed a big barbecue by sponsor Police Credit Union, emergency service vehicles were on display, as well as the comical antics of emergency service mascots.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams encouraged first responders across the state to get involved to help raise awareness of men’s health issues.
“Working in emergency services can be challenging, and Movember presents a great opportunity to talk about men’s health and to break down the barriers around the biggest health issues for men,” Deputy Commissioner Williams said.
“Mental health is an especially important topic for police to speak openly about, and it’s encouraging to see such strong support for this year’s campaign.
“Please support this cause by giving generously and remember to check-in on your mates.”
Joining in on this morning’s festivities on the academy lawns were SAPOL the police horses, Encounter and Xennon, along with agency mascots ‘POCU’ from the Police Credit Union, ‘Smokey’ the Koala from CFS, ‘Deefa’ the Dog from the Australian Professional Firefighters Foundation.
Speaking at the event, Senior Sergeant First Class Robert Mowday expressed the importance of SAPOL hosting this year’s Great Emergency Services Shave Down.
“When we are involved in raising money, it always has an impact,” he said.
“One in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.
“Go out and get yourself checked.”
Throughout November, volunteers and staff from SAPOL, the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS), South Australian State Emergency Service (SES), South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM), and the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS), have once again joined a friendly competition to raise funds for the good cause.
Last year, SAPOL’s Movember team raised over $2,000. Donations for this year are open through the Movember website.
For more information on men’s health, fundraising ideas, and support visit, www.movember.com
