It’s not uncommon to see members of the Air Force sporting a crusty mo' or a seedy 'stache. However, during the month of November, these upper lip caterpillars are grown across the country and within the Air Force for all the right reasons (and with the Commanding Officer’s permission).

Movember has been a well-respected annual occurrence since it began in Melbourne in 2003. The initiative raises awareness for men’s mental health, cancer and preventable illnesses that often result in the loss of men’s lives both within Australia and internationally. The team at 37 Squadron took this challenge very seriously.

Led by Corporal Jarrod Macumber, the team of seven – dubbed “37 Squadron’s Mo Bros” – set out to raise money and awareness of these issues, especially those that affect their work mates and the broader ADF community.

“The guys all joined the team for a number of reasons, including starting conversations around mental health and encouraging men to speak up about health issues,” Corporal Macumber said.

“The main part[s] behind it all [are] men speaking out before it is too late, getting to the doctor's for check-ups, putting pride or stubbornness aside and not suffering in silence when they are struggling. 

“I myself battled depression for years before I got help, which as I have learnt, is unfortunately quite common among ADF members. This [commonality] extends to the number of members who have been hit by cancer personally or had loved ones and mates battle through it.”

The team challenged themselves to raise money, grow their moustaches and move as much as possible throughout the month, supported ardently by their friends, family and squadron. As of December 1, the Mo Bros have raised $4132 and swum, walked, cycled and jogged 612.7 kilometres – an almighty feat.

37 Squadron Commanding Officer Wing Commander Dianne Bell recognised the team’s great effort and acknowledged the importance of getting checked and reaching out for help.

“This is such great work that Corporal Macumber and the 37 Squadron Mo Bros team are doing to keep challenging us all to share our own stories and have conversations around mental and physical health –  encouraging members to speak up and get assistance on health issues early,” she said.

Corporal Macumber and his team vowed to better their fundraising efforts in 2026 and challenged the rest of the ADF to grow a mo' for a good cause next Movember.

The 37 Squadron Mo Bros team members consisted of Corporal Jarrod Macumber, Flight Sergeant Stephen Wellington, Corporal Adam Joost, Corporal Adam Walton, Leading Aircraftman Mathew Hayden, Leading Aircraftman Reece Tang and Aircraftman Rohan Gresham.