The Ballarat Beard & Stache competition marked its 10th year, celebrating facial hair and community spirit. Founded by Jake Warren and Brayden Dorney, the event aims to embrace diversity and bring people together.
Competition Highlights
Participants gathered in the full beard natural 20cm to infinity category before being judged. Contestants included Kenny Turnbull, 35, who entered the moustache category after his girlfriend signed him up unknowingly. Keesy Webster, 56, a driving instructor from Melbourne, returned with a 101cm beard, which he wears in a bun while working. He competed for the seventh time, having won last year with a 97cm beard.
Community and Camaraderie
Co-founder Jake Warren emphasized that the event celebrates community and difference, attracting participants from across Australia. Wizz, 58, a wizard and entertainer, dyes his beard after his daughter noted it was turning white. Co-founders Brayden Dorney and Jake Warren presented awards to winners in the full beard 10–20cm category, with Neale Postlethwaite taking first place.
Contestants like David Jenkin, 67, grew his beard for four years after leaving a job that banned facial hair; he won second in the partial beard category. The freestyle/just for fun category saw Garyl Moyle place first, while Kelly and Nelson Weeks earned second with a conjoined beard. Brayden Dorney has not shaved since age 23, sporting a 12-year-old beard.
The event concluded with a group photo as the crowd cheered, marking a successful day of celebration.
