Our People
13 July, 2026
Dylan goes bald to help beat blood cancer
ARARAT’S Dylan Macreadie has swapped nearly a year's worth of hair growth for a shaved head, raising almost $3,000 for blood cancer research through the World's Greatest Shave.
Inspired to make a difference, Dylan exceeded his original fundraising goal of $1,000, raising $2,962 in just a month.
"I’m overwhelmed but very happy about it,” he told the Advocate as he prepared for the big chop.
On his fundraising page, Dylan highlighted the impact of blood cancer in Australia, noting that around 170,000 Australians are living with or have lived with blood cancer, while 17 people lose their lives to the disease every day.
He said the idea to take part came after a conversation with his mother.
"Mum convinced me by saying anyone would kill to have my hair, so I decided I might as well do the World's Greatest Shave and donate it."
Having grown his hair for close to a year, Dylan finally took the plunge last Wednesday night, with friends Miranda and Hunter live-streaming the shave.
Donators were given the chance to vote on just how much hair would come off, with 80 per cent opting for the full shave, leaving Dylan completely bald.
"I'm genuinely looking forward to cutting it all off," he said.
The fundraising effort also received a significant boost from Ararat manufacturer AME Systems, whose staff rallied behind Dylan's campaign.
AME Systems Human Resources Manager Joyce Cleary said proceeds from the company's inaugural social club gala ball were donated to the fundraiser.
"We had a gala ball for the first time ever through our social club and it was an amazing success. We had a silent auction and we unanimously decided that the proceeds of the silent auction would go directly to Dylan's charity. That was where we raised over $2,000."
Ms Cleary said supporting the fundraiser was an easy decision, with many staff members having been personally affected by cancer.
"We have people who are part of our staff who are suffering, and like any company this size you would have some," she said.
"Any research that can go into cancer research is just amazing. It affects all of us."
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