A mullet two years in the making has become one of Griffin Boote’s most valuable commodities.
Grown to support the Mullets for Mental Health campaign in 2020, the en vogue hairdo is now being cut off to support the Black Dog Ride, a charity that raises community awareness of depression and suicide prevention.
The charity is best known for its annual motorbike ride which engages thousands of riders from across the country. In addition to the event, volunteers are also responsible for promoting mental health awareness throughout the year.
Griffin, 10, has already surpassed his $1500 target and wants to support other people to talk about their mental health.
Despite the achievement, he is determined to continue raising awareness and funds for the cause and will be at the Avenel market this Sunday to keep the campaign going.
“It needs to be okay for people — kids, adults or anyone — to say they're not okay,” Griffin said.
“You need to talk to someone if you’re feeling unwell, like not great. You need to talk about it.”
While satisfied to have beat his target, the passionate basketballer and Year 5 student has the bigger picture in mind.
“It's not how much money I raise, it's just making sure everyone's aware of what's going on right now and the message,” he said.
For Griffin’s proud mum Bronwyn McDonald, the past two years of pandemic restrictions have brought greater attention to the mental health challenges faced by children in the district.
“I know there's lots of kids out there that are dealing with a whole lot of home pressures because their parents are not coping ... but it (mental health) needs to not be a taboo thing to talk about,” she said.
“Griff noticed that when those mates actually open up and say this is what's worrying me or I'm missing this friend ... that sharing a problem halves the problem and shame can't exist where empathy lives.”
Seymour Black Dog Ride co-ordinator Kylie Comte has been thrilled by Griffin’s commitment.
“The fact that he's 10 and he wants to stand up already and try and help out is quite promising for the future,” she said.
“It's nice to see such a young man trying to help make a difference.”
Ms Comte will be with Griffin in Avenel and she is hoping to use the occasion to encourage people to have conversations about what is under the surface, especially as winter takes full effect.
“The most important thing is to to reach out and have a chat to somebody, and on top of that, is for somebody to reach out to their mate or their family member,” she said.
“If they haven't heard from them for a little bit, or there's just something not quite right, then follow that instinct and give them a call and just start up a conversation.
“Just ask every day what they've been up to, what they're doing. Keep it going so then people can actually feel like they're not alone. They might not open up but ... there might be enough for next time. So it's really important to keep in contact and keep up that conversation.”
Griffin’s mullet is set for the chop at the Avenel Primary School assembly on Monday, June 20. With the haircut imminent, Ms Comte is hoping community members will be inspired by one of the cause’s youngest supporters to rethink the limits of changing awareness on mental health.
Griffin and the team will be at the Avenel market at Jubilee Park this Sunday by Winston, the inflatable giant black dog. Donations to Griffin’s campaign can be made at tinyurl.com/griffmulletcut