YOU could be forgiven for not saying hello as you walk past Stawell's Wes Oosthuizen in the street.
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The passionate advocate for men's mental health has forgone his beard, and hair, to raise awareness and funds for the Movember campaign.
For three years and nine months, Mr Oosthuizen had been growing his beard but decided in 2020 he would use the concept of shaving it off to fundraise.
"It's something that I had thought about before and something that I've always wanted to do to raise some money for a really good cause," he said.
"Movember is something that has really stuck with me quite closely.
"I have lost friends to suicide.
"Mental health is something that is really important to me."
Mr Oosthuizen said his beard had become part of him and it was taking some time getting used to it not being there.
"I wake up in the morning and remember it's not there," he said.
Mr Oosthuizen is employed at Grampians Community Health and said altogether, the team had raised $3,400.
"We've done an excellent job and it's been terrific," he said.
"It's really important not just from the fundraising side but to raise the awareness of men's mental health as well.
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"Movember is such a worthy cause.
"I know a lot of men are stuck in their own ways and decide not to talk about anything or see a GP when they are experiencing any issues.
"Hopefully barriers can be broken down and the stigma around mental health is lost."
Mr Oosthuizen said growing his beard back and doing it all again next year wasn't off the cards.
"You never know," he said.
"I might do something really silly - you just never know.
"I did enjoy the 30 days and trying to promote the cause. I wouldn't mind doing it again next year whatever that looks like."
Mr Oosthuizen said he was thankful to those who had donated or helped spread the word.
"It's been a tough year for everyone and leading into Christmas so every dollar that we've received has been really appreciated," he said.
"I've had donations from across the world - from a cousin in Ireland to family friends in South Africa.
"I do appreciate all the efforts everyone has put in."
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