Just a mo for health

Last Tuesday, Harvey deputy shire president Francis Burgoyne’s horseshoe moustache was put under the razor for a good cause.

Taking part in Movember for the second time in 12 years, Mr Burgoyne said that while he would miss his facial hair, supporting men’s health was an issue that hits close to home.

“The theme for our annual shire dinner later this month is ‘colour for a cause’, and since the only thing I have ever supported was Movember, it was a no-brainer that this would be my cause,” he said.

Diagnosed with depression more than 10 years ago when he was a councillor and the State president of the fire and rescue association, Mr Burgoyne learnt the importance of taking time out.

“After spending a night at the Brunswick Fire Station, I worked out that I was only allowing myself four hours of sleep a night and only two hours to myself a week,” he said.

“It was at that point I realised I needed help, so I went to see a doctor and was put on medication, but I knew that I didn’t want to be on it for the rest of my life, so I decided to take action.

“It was a matter of recognising what was triggering the depression.”

Mr Burgoyne said the best advice he had received was to do more of what you enjoy.

“After I was diagnosed I saw out my term with council then did virtually nothing for a few years other than my hobby which is building scale model cars and putting them into dioramas,” he said.

“I still have my dark days, but I am now able to recognise and deal with them and I am grateful to be a part of Movember and help out men in similar situations to me.”