Bald heads, goatees, and even missing eyebrows can now be found in Logan City Council chambers after four councillors shaved their heads for the World’s Greatest Shave, raising $8,455 for the cause.
Councillors Nathan St Ledger, Paul Jackson, Scott Bannan, and Tim Frazer took part in the annual fundraiser, which supports the Leukemia Foundation and people affected by blood cancer.
The idea was sparked by councillor St Ledger, who saw it as an opportunity to do something meaningful with his platform.
“In all honesty, I just thought, we’ve got a platform to do something really cool that can really help people,” Mr St Ledger said.
“I lost a really good mate a couple of years ago, not to leukemia but to cancer, and I thought, why not? We’ve got an ability to reach an audience and it’s also a great way to connect with the community while doing something positive.”
The initiative quickly gained traction, with three other councillors eager to join in.
While some of their colleagues opted out, Mr St Ledger said Mr Bannan, Mr Jackson and Frazer were on board immediately.
“Scotty and Tim were just like, ‘yeah, why not?’ It’s just hair, and it grows back,” he said.
“Paul took it to a whole new level.”
Councillor Jackson not only shaved his head but also auctioned off his eyebrows, raising an additional $500 per eyebrow in the process.
“I was just mentioning in a business group that I was doing this fundraising, and one of the guys said, ‘I’ll give you 500 bucks for one of your eyebrows,'” Mr Jackson said.
“It sort of took me back. I was thinking, is he serious? Am I serious? But it’s 500 bucks.”
Mr Jackson said the event allowed him to connect with local residents who have been affected by blood cancer and hear their stories.
“It was a great opportunity to gather enthusiasm for the cause and talk about it in our communities,” he said.
“To blow past our expectations in fundraising was really exciting.”
The shave event was held at the Windaroo Lakes Golf Club, which supported the initiative by sponsoring the food for the participants and attendees.
“The club is really community-minded,” Mr St Ledger said.
“They didn’t even bat an eyelid when we reached out – they were in straight away.”
Mr St Ledge said atmosphere on the day was amazing, with councillors and community members enjoying the light-hearted nature of the event while raising money for a serious cause.
“There’s always a stigma around shaving your head, and it’s funny, but I think part of it is just having a good time while doing something good,” Mr St Ledger said.
“For us, it’s not much, but for those going through treatment, it means a lot.”
Mr Bannan said it was a great day and to do it with his mates was awesome.
“Hats off to Sledge for thinking of it because it was really an awesome day,” he said.
“Councils great at the moment. Every time someone has an idea we all get roped into it. So, I’m going to have to think of a good cause for Sledge now.”
