SYDNEY -- One of Australia's most well-known rockers has helped kick off Movember as thousands of Aussie blokes start sporting hairy top lips to boost awareness about men's health.
INXS musician Kirk Pengilly was on hand at Bondi in Sydney on Sunday to get the month-long event underway, with his wife, surfer Layne Beachley, shaving off his iconic moustache.
“Men aren’t as great as women at looking after their wellbeing. Growing a Mo for Movember is a simple way blokes can have an impact on the state of men’s health across the country,” Pengilly said.
Today marks the start of Movember - the annual month-long campaign that seeks to raise money and awareness for issues like prostate cancer and mental health.
The event began life in Australia but has now gone global, including spin-offs in the UK, US and Canada.
Movember foundation executive director Paul Villanti said growing a moustache can save a life.
"It does start the conversation, and whether that's on a construction site, whether it's a banker, whether it's a train driver, we find that growing a moustache is a fantastic way to have a conversation around health," he told 2GB.
Aussie celebrities including AFL players, cricketers and A-League stars have all committed to take part in the 2015 edition this November.