Skip to content

Community Unites for Can Assist Head Shave Fundraiser

Lucas from Lucas’ Pressure Cleaning.

The Harden Country Club was buzzing with energy last Friday as locals gathered to support a cause close to their hearts.

Three brave men Gus Shea, Jacob Prosser, and Lucas Fitzsimmons took to the stage to shave their heads in a heartfelt fundraiser for Can Assist Harden-Murrumburrah.

The evening began with a lively performance by Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs, whose whip-cracking skills captivated the audience. This was followed by live music from Tommy Butt, setting the tone for a night of fun and fundraising.

Zach getting his head shaved by donator George Elliiot.

Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, the purpose of the event remained clear, to raise funds for Can Assist, an organisation dedicated to supporting people in rural and regional areas affected by cancer. 

The head-shaving trio shared personal stories that resonated with many attendees. Lucas Fitzsimmons, who moved to the area just over a year ago, explained that his decision to participate stemmed from a desire to give back to the community. He pledged 25% of his earnings from his pressure washing business leading up to the event, along with additional personal donations. His commitment was deeply personal, as he had recently lost a close friend to cancer.

Pictured top left: Left to right, back to front, Lucas, Gus Shea, Jacob Prosser, Michelle Irving, Kylie Douglas, Zac Coffey, Janet Choice and Oscar Phillis. Supporters out in force on the night. Above: Head shaves underway.

Gus Shea echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the impact cancer has had on the community, including the loss of his own grandmother to the disease. Having sported a mullet for eight years, Gus was ready to part with his signature look to support the cause.

Jacob Prosser, a long time resident and friend of Gus, emphasised the importance of community involvement in such initiatives.

“Being a local, you kind of know everyone, and I’ve played rugby union with Jacob in the town. It’s important to come together for causes like this,” Gus remarked. 

The event was a resounding success, with the bistro at the Harden Country Club fully booked and a steady stream of locals showing their support.

Organisers reported that the evening raised approximately $11,000 for Can Assist Harden-Murrumburrah. These funds will go directly towards assisting local families facing the challenges of cancer treatment. 

Sonia Fredericks, a key organiser and long-time supporter of Can Assist, expressed her gratitude, “It was an amazing event, supported really well by our locals. The bistro was booked out, and a lot of locals came to support. The branch is super grateful for all the ongoing support from the locals.”

The success of the head shave fundraiser underscores the strength and unity of the Harden-Murrumburrah community. It serves as a reminder that, together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.

We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.

We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.

Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.

If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.

Share this:

Contribute your story

We are always looking for new stories to share with our readers. If you have a story you would like to share, click the 'Contribute' button.