A small group of Port Stephens Council staff have raised close to $3,500 by growing out their moustaches for the month of November to support the Movember Foundation, which funds more than 1,200 men’s health initiatives worldwide.

A group of four men from Council’s Parks Program joined forces and created their own ‘Mospace’ team called ‘RT Parks Boyz’, raising close to $3,000.

Several other staff from Council’s libraries, administration building and depots raised awareness for the Movember cause by growing out their ‘mos’.

Parks Program Officer David Roberts raised close to another $500 selling raffle tickets, with the winner drawn yesterday by General Manager Wayne Wallis.

Mr Wallis said he is pleased with how staff have taken the initiative with fundraising for men’s health.

“I’m proud of how our people have embraced it this year, and the resilience they’ve shown through their fundraising efforts,” he said.

“Men are not necessarily known for speaking up about their health issues, so getting involved in Movember is a fun way to show support.

“Seeing so many moustaches around serves as a reminder to men in our community to get their annual check-up, and that it’s okay for us all to talk about our health,” Mr Wallis said.

Established as an official Australian charity in 2006, the Movember Foundation distributes funds raised to some of the biggest health issues faced by men, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention, with over five million participants.