YOU couldn’t blame anyone for mistaking Gavin Moffat for Santa.
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He’s big, he’s jolly and he bloody loves beards.
So much so, he’s started Tamworth’s own Beard Appreciation Group, and uniquely styles his own bushy bristles.
“I’ve got all the beard balms. I reckon I’ve been decorating my beard for three years now – that’s when I started taking it more seriously,” he said.
I haven’t got much hair on the top of my head and I’ve got something to play with on my chin.
- Gavin Moffat
“I haven’t got much hair on the top of my head and I’ve got something to play with on my chin. It’s just natural progression – gravity’s always there, so it’s just worked it’s way down.”
His Facebook page, Tamworth Beard Appreciation Group, has more than 1000 dedicated followers.
Men regularly submit their facial hair faux pas and stubble success.
Now, Mr Moffat is training to become a barber himself, a trade that’s grown significantly in metropolitan Australia – with a new barber shop opening every four days in Melbourne, he said.
The old-school trade has had a resurgence and Mr Moffat puts it down to fashion.
“There is a lot to it. I just think there will always be a need for barbers in town and there is a lot in barbering for the community,” he said.
“Plus it’s pamper time for the blokes.”
In addition to beard appreciation, Mr Moffat runs the Good News Tamworth Facebook page, dedicated to positive news in the community.
He also drives the bus for Challenge Community Services, and the people he picks up are huge fans of his beard creativity.
In the past he’s done Australian flags, all white, braids, and green and gold.
“It’s something different to do, a bit of creativity and individuality,” he said.
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“I started that Facebook page because there’s a lot of negativity out there, and I think anyone can get run down by reading bad things over and over – but I know sometimes bad stories sell.
“I mean, I am talking to the Leader.”
Mr Moffat hopes to start sharing more local beards in the new year and finish his barbering course to start offering his own services.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
