Mid West Vietnam veteran Graeme Roberts set to shave blue hair, beard to raise funds for Dongara Men in Sheds

A Vietnam war veteran in Dongara will shave off his trademark blue hair and beard in a bid to raise money for men’s mental health. Graeme Roberts dyed his hair last November to raise awareness of suicides in the region. One year later, he’ll shave his bright blue hair and long beard to raise funds for his beloved men’s shed. Mr Roberts created Dongara Men in Sheds in an effort to keep himself occupied following his retirement. “I got the Men in Sheds up and running here for the simple fact that boredom is a bad thing,” he said. “I was bored to the point of self-harm. “I’ve been a working man my whole life and I had to find something to do.” Mr Roberts is the Dongara Men in Sheds president, with 32 members signed up. He said he was hoping to raise money to try to attract guest speakers to the area to speak about mental health. Mr Roberts said the campaign had been successful so far. “I’ve got six or seven blue tins around town with my blue hair and a photo below it,” he said. “I haven’t picked up the tins in a while, but I’m up to about $2500.” When asked why he felt the need to contribute, Mr Roberts said it was part of what Men in Sheds stood for. “That’s our charter — this is what we should be doing,” he said. “If it saves one suicide, we’re miles in front.” Mr Roberts has been a contributor to the community in the past, having received the shire of Irwin’s Australia Day WA active community senior citizen of the year award in 2023. The shave will take place at Southerly’s Tavern in Port Denison, with the event starting at 5pm on Saturday. Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636