THERE'S no doubting the past month has been a tough one for everyone in the Group Seven Rugby League community, after losing numerous individuals to self-harm.
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One club that has had enough is the Gerringong Lions, who's playing group have decided to grow mullets for mental health awareness.
The drivers behind this initiative at the Michael Cronin Oval-based club are Tyran and Callum Wishart - the sons of rugby league legend Rod Wishart.
"We stumbled across an advertisement on Facebook with all the details about the fundraiser and thought it was a great initiative, especially during the recent tragedies our community has faced," Tyran, 20, said.
"The recent passing of five people in our community, two of which were close friends of ours, really sparked our desire to go ahead with the mullets for mental health fundraiser.
"This is a cause we've held close to us in the past due to the passing of a family member."
Callum, 24, echoed the thoughts of his brother.
"We believe raising awareness about this issue is massive," he said.
"But what's also even more important is having new and contemporary resources put in place for those in need.
"We're hoping the money that we and our team raise will go towards this matter."
Since making their announcement on Monday, the Wishart's team includes Lions teammates Kal Collins, Joel Doosey, Corey Mulhall, Jake Taylor, Judd Collyer, Ben Grant, Kai Butcher, Hamish Holland, Jaime Reay, Elijah Nile, Kyle Marks, Harry Grant, Cooper Doherty and Kynan Ward - with a number of the club's under 16s players also jumping on board.
"This is great and it shows that everyone is coming together to hopefully make some actionable change.
"We can't thank the team and those who have donated enough.
"The team is public and anyone is welcome to join."
On top of that, three former Lions now playing in the NRL - Jackson Ford (Dragons), Reuben Garrick (Sea Eagles) and Jack Murchie (Warriors) - have joined the cause.
"It's a really important cause and one that's affected a number of my friends and family," Murchie, who was part of the Lions 2015 Group Seven premiership, said.
"Full credit to Tyran and Callum for starting the initiative and it's been really inspiring to see so many players from the Lions jump on board and do something like this together - the community feel around the club is something really special.
"Obviously all the money we raise will help run mental health seminars but the most important thing is saving lives.
"If one friend of each of the blokes growing their hair sees the initiative and has a second thought about self-harm, we have done our job.
"And with Jackson, Reuben and I jumping on board, hopefully, it gives the initiative even more exposure at a national and international level."
You can jump in donate to the Lions' cause, run by the Black Dog Institute, here.
Numbers to call if you or anyone you know needs help are:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
Headspace 1800 650 890
QLife 1800 184 527