Above: (Back from left) Constable Maha Sukkar, Constable Catherine Middleton and Constable Cassandara Ferguson will have the razor out this Saturday for Bluey Day when Senior Sergeant Gerry Hengel (front) loses his moustache and locks.
By Callan Date
COLLEAGUES of Narre Warren Senior Sergeant Gerry Hengel may not recognise him beyond this Saturday when he loses his moustache for the first time in 31 years.
The police officer is set to have his facial hair as well as what’s on top shaved off to raise money for National Bluey Day.
The fundraising event is in its 12th year and officers at the Narre Warren station are getting behind the cause and hope to raise $3000 for children with cancer.
Senior Constable Matthew Dickie and Constable Geoff Howe will join Sen Sgt Hengel in the shave at the Fountain Gate Good Guys store.
“I graduated from the academy 31 years ago and started growing my moustache back then,” Sen Sgt Hengel said.
The moustache has remained intact ever since but that will all change when fellow officers have the pleasure of shaving it off.
“We want as much public support as we can get because all the money is going to support kids with cancer,” he said.
Local firefighters, ambulance officers and SES crews will be present at the fun-filled day and people will also be able to meet Neighbours star Pippa Black.
Victorian Bluey Day state manager Mandy Passmore said the fundraiser continues to grow each year and urged everyone to get down to the Fountain Gate Good Guys store this Saturday.
“It’s a big call to shave your head but every year they keep coming back and the participant list continues to grow,” Ms Passmore said.
“They each raise their $1000 through local business and community support, cake stalls, sausage sizzles, tin rattling and the sale of merchandise which is updated each year and becomes a collector’s item,” she said.
Bluey Day action will take place from 1.30pm Saturday, August 26 at the Fountain Gate Good Guys store.
Bluey Day merchandise is available on the day or from the Narre Warren police station and anyone wishing to donate money can contact Karen Elliott on 9705 3111.
