The first time Bianca Maloney shaved her head it was for a bet.
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Someone in the pub she worked at goaded her, telling her she wouldn't have the guts to shave her head because "you're a girl."
"And I said 'watch me'," she said laughing.
That was in 2014 and she raised more than $3000 in two weeks for the Leukaemia Foundation through their annual World's Greatest Shave fundraising campaign.
That bet turned into a fundraising habit and over the last seven years she has raised more than $50,000 by shaving her head year after year.
It is a cause worthy of losing some hair, as over 50 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer every day.
But this year will take on extra significance for Mrs Maloney, as she approaches this shave without her cousin Matthew Jordan, 34, who the family lost last year to mental health.
"Matty's been there for me from the start, he's always been my biggest supporter when it comes to my World's Greatest Shaves or Ugly Bartender, or whatever I'm raising money for at the time," she said.
"We were more best mates than cousins."
Mr Jordan's death was unexpected, no one knew he was struggling, Mrs Maloney said, so she hopes to raise awareness and get a conversation going for people who don't talk about their mental health.
With her cousin in mind, Mrs Maloney will donate a portion of the funds raised to mental health support in regional NSW.
"Just to be able to make people more aware of what is going on in our community and that there is help out there for people that are struggling," she said.
Mrs Maloney said that the first time she shaved her head was daunting and it didn't help that the makeshift barber cut her ear. But facing down the clippers is worth it. "It's my way of being able to give back," she says.
Mrs Maloney is holding an event for this year's shave on the March 19 at the Kooringal Hotel.
To donate, go to worldsgreatestshave.com/donate and type in 'Bianca McKenzie'.
If you or someone you know needs support contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
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