The Ballarat Beard & Stache competition, now in its 10th year, was founded by Jake Warren and Brayden Dorney, who shared a passion for facial hair and a desire to build a community that celebrates the differences that make people unique.
Competition Highlights
Participants in the full beard natural 20cm to infinity category gathered before going on stage to be judged. The event featured six categories, with judges scoring entries throughout the day.
Notable Contestants
Kenny Turnbull, 35, entered the moustache category after his girlfriend signed him up without his knowledge. He said he enjoyed meeting new people through the competition.
Keesy Webster, 56, a driving instructor from Melbourne, returned to the competition this year with a 101cm beard, which he puts in a bun while at work. He competed for the seventh time, having won last year with a 97cm beard.
Wizz, 58, a wizard, psychic, wand-maker, entertainer and father, has been dying his beard since his daughter pointed out that it was turning white.
David Jenkin, 67, grew his beard out for four years after leaving a job that did not allow facial hair. He later won second place in the partial beard category.
Behind the Scenes
Contestants and supporters gathered at Hop Temple before judging began. Jamie Johnson was the runner-up in the full beard 10–20cm category, while his son William Johnson won the Verdi category for the second year in a row.
Co-founders Brayden Dorney, 35, with his 12-year-old beard, and Jake Warren, 37, with his two-year-old ginger beard, presented awards to winners. Dorney has not shaved since the age of 23.
Winners
In the freestyle/just for fun category, Garyl Moyle placed first, Kelly and Nelson Weeks second with a conjoined beard, and Ollie Dorney third. The competition concluded with a group photo as the crowd cheered.
