Tuesday, 18 November 2025

 Lee TARLAMIS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:44): As November rolls around each year, many Australians prepare for warmer days and the countdown to Christmas. I, however, prepare my upper lip for its yearly performance; yes, the moustache has made its return, or at least something that aspires to be one. Whether you see it as a bold style choice, a misplaced tribute to the 1970s or simply a brave attempt at self-expression, the mo is growing for a very important reason: Movember.

Movember is far more than a chance for men to experiment with facial hair; it is a global movement focused on improving men’s health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health. As the month progresses, I am pleased to report that although my moustache may never grace the cover of a grooming magazine, it has achieved its mission of sparking conversations and encouraging people to pay attention to men’s wellbeing. The statistics behind the campaign are confronting: millions of men worldwide are living with prostate cancer, testicular cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men, and heartbreakingly a man dies by suicide every minute across the globe.

Men are also continuing to die younger than women, often from preventable causes. These are the realities we cannot ignore, so in the spirit of doing my part I have tended to this mo with determination and a good sense of humour. There have been moments of uncertainty and plenty of jokes from colleagues, but if it encourages even one man to book a check-up or start a conversation, it is worth every awkward stage of growth. Movember has supported more than 1250 projects since its inception, driving research services and support programs to change lives, but this vital work depends on donations and there is still time to donate before 30 November. Support the cause, support the men in your lives and, if nothing else, support the courage it takes to walk around with a moustache like this.