Around 1500 Kinetic buses in New Zealand will carry oversized moustaches during November to encourage conversations about men’s health.
The initiative is part of Movember’s Mo’s About Town campaign and will also involve almost 2000 Kinetic buses in Australia.
Moustaches will appear on commuter, school and charter buses, as well as SkyBus airport services, taking the campaign to cities, towns and regional communities.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer, while encouraging people to check in on the men in their lives.
Kinetic Group chief executive Michael Sewards says the company is using its large public transport network to extend the campaign’s reach.
“As Australasia’s biggest bus operator, our buses are part of everyday life for millions of people, giving us a fantastic opportunity to take the Movember message far and wide,” Sewards says.
“Our giant moustaches are bound to turn a few heads, and that’s exactly what we want. But behind the fun is a serious message.
“Through our partnership with Movember, we want to get people talking about men’s health and encourage more people to take action.”
Sewards says men’s health issues have affected many Kinetic employees and their families.
“If this campaign encourages more people to ask a mate, colleague or family member how they’re really going, that’s a great outcome,” he says.
Movember was founded in Melbourne in 2003 and has since raised almost $2 billion globally, funding more than 1320 men’s health projects.
Movember Asia-Pacific country director Charlene Brennan says the campaign uses an everyday activity to deliver an important reminder.
“Movember is all about turning everyday moments into meaningful conversations about men’s health,” Brennan says.
“Kinetic’s Mo’s About Town activation will put that message on the move, giving thousands of people a reminder to check in on the men in their lives.”
Kinetic bus driver John Gatt, who is based at the company’s Fitzroy North depot in Melbourne, is growing a moustache for the 10th consecutive year alongside his son Anthony.
“Most blokes don’t like talking about their health, so the Mo does the talking for you,” Gatt says.
“People ask about it, and before you know it you’re having a conversation you probably wouldn’t have had otherwise.
“Even if we can help make a difference in one man’s life, it’s worth it.”
Kinetic is encouraging people who see one of the moustached buses to check in with someone, book an overdue health check or begin a conversation about men’s health.
