In the pink over Movember challenge

Tim Stewart has taken up a Movember challenge – and gone a step further - to support men’s health issues.

The Unitywater Infrastructure Standards Engineer, who works across the City of Moreton Bay, has dyed both his moustache and hair pink.

He is one of 17 in the Unitywater Movember Team which had banter going with Siemens, which provides control system hardware to Unitywater.

“A contact at Siemens donated $200 to me as an initial donation and promised to donate an additional $200 if I dyed my ‘mo’,” the former Murrumba Downs resident said.

Tim took on the challenge and went a step further by dying the hair on his head too. He’s currently the top fundraiser of the team, with more than $1500.

Generosity

“I’m thrilled. I had a target of $200,” he said. “The generosity of my Unitywater teammates and many suppliers and consultants I have worked with over many years has blown me away.

Tim hopes to highlight International Men’s Day, starts conversations about issues men face and raises money for Movember.

“There have been many conversations had this month and I feel privileged to be able to support others,” he said.

“I wanted to let family, friends and colleagues know that tough times don’t last forever.”

"Tough years"

Tim has had “a tough few years” but thanks to the support of many different people in his circle he is in a much better place.

He is also one of 22 mental health first aiders at Unitywater who received accredited training to help foster a culture prioritising mental health.

“Becoming a Mental Health First Aider has made me appreciate different people need different things to feel safe to talk openly,” Tim said.

Unitywater Executive Manager People Culture and Safety Kenan Hibberd said it was important to acknowledge men’s issues, especially mental health, every day.

“Mental Health First Aiders play a crucial role in our mental health support framework and supporting individuals with mental health challenges,” Kenan said.

“They can offer guidance until the person engages with professional help or the crisis is resolved.”