Guinness World Record bid on Bluey Day

23/6/06
Organisers of this year's Bluey Day kicked off fundraising today with a bid to enter the Guinness World Book of Records.
Police and Emergency Services Minister John Kobelke backed a bid to break a Victorian record of shaving 286 heads in four hours, made at the 2005 Bluey Day.
"I know Western Australians will get strongly behind the WA bid to break this record by shaving 400 heads in under four hours because not only do we support charities that do so much for children, we love nothing more than beating the Vics," Mr Kobelke said.
This year women from the emergency services sector will show the way - Belinda Conklin from Guildford Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service will shave her 70cm long hair to make a wig for a young cancer sufferer.
The Minister said this year's fundraising target in WA was $400,000 with proceeds going to help buy critical care equipment for regional hospitals.
Last year's campaign raised more than $170,000, which went toward the purchase of a neo-natal ambulance for Princess Margaret Hospital.
The money was also used to help buy a digital paediatric retinal imaging system, known as Retcam II. The camera now allows about 100 WA children to have their retinal cancers and glaucoma diagnosed here, rather than having to travel interstate.
The equipment is also used in detecting 'shaken baby syndrome', which is helping our courts to prosecute and convict anyone suspected of committing this terrible crime.
Perth will host this year's national head shave on September 2 in Kings Park.
Since 1995, the Bluey Day Foundation has raised more than $18million in Australia ($1.5million in WA) to help children suffering from life-threatening diseases.
All money raised in WA will be used in the State to help local children.
Minister's office: 9222 9211