A group of South Coast farmers may be sporting new dodgy trims, but it's all for a very important cause - one that's close to their hearts.
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The work mates have chopped iconic mullets, raising over $5000 for mental health research in the process.
Nowra's William Clarke, who introduced the idea of getting behind the movement at work, said raising awareness for mental illness is particularly important in the farming industry.
"I have a few close mates that have struggled. We're doing it for them to show we're always there," he said.
"Working in the agricultural industry, mental health is something that isn't really talked about. There's a 'she'll be right' attitude and you're expected to get on with your day.
"We're here to show this should not be the case."
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The Black Dog Institute runs its annual Mullets for Mental Health initiative during September to raise funds for mental health research.
According to the institute, suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 44, and roughly 50 per cent of people reporting symptoms of mental illness don't seek help.
Their research helps early detection, prevention and treatment of common mental health disorders and aims drive down these statistics.
William said the team's initial goal of raising $500 was achieved in the first 24 hours of the fundraiser going live. He was blown away from the support that has followed.
"I made the goal to raise $500 at the start thinking even that was a bit far-fetched. I definitely wasn't expecting the response we've received," he said.
As word caught on, others in the Shoalhaven started putting their hand up to get the chop, with William's friend Sean Gray raising $500 for the cause.
William said he can't wait to sport his new mullet "as soon as the pubs open back up".
"When we're working, we're either stuck out in the middle of a paddock in a tractor or somewhere out in the middle of the bush fencing so we haven't got to show them off yet," he said.
"The cows definitely haven't commented on how much they like them."
To donate to the South Coast Farmers Mullets for Mental Health fundraiser, visit: https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraiser/SouthCoastFarmers
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