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Year of the Skullet

By Daniel Lister

Help me make it meaningful

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate — it affects 1 in 5 Australians every year, with symptoms like depression and anxiety.
The impact can be devastating — not just for those living with it, but for the people around them too.

That’s why I’ve launched Year of the Skullet — a 13-month personal and public challenge to raise awareness and funds for mental health, using the official Mullets for Mental Health campaign as my bookends:
April 1st 2025 – April 30th 2026.

For the first time in 17 years, I’m growing out my hair — not just any style, but a full-blown skullet (shaved top, party at the back). It’s uncomfortable. It’s awkward. And it’s deeply personal.

This isn’t about vanity — it’s about vulnerability.

Over the next year, I’ll be opening up about my own experiences with depression and mental health. I’ll be sharing the raw, real moments in the hope that it might help someone else feel a little less alone.

Every dollar raised supports the Black Dog Institute, funding critical mental health research and support services for Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide.

Let’s grow something meaningful — together.
Please donate, share, and follow the journey.
Thank you.

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$1,553

My Goal

$3,000

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My Achievements

My Updates

6 Months!

Monday 29th Sep
I can't believe 6 months have already come! This all began because I signed up for Mullets for Mental Health. I quickly realised it wouldn't be much of a campaign considering I’ve been a bald man since 19, so Year of the Skullet was born.

It has been an interesting time. I had planned on running some big events, workshops and the like, but these ideas all came at a time when I was 95% unemployed and, in hindsight, quite depressed. With everyday tasks being a battle, big fundraising events were out of the question.

But I remind myself, every dollar, every cent that I gain over the 13 months makes it all worthwhile.

And the hairstyle... well, it’s been a love hate relationship. The early days were awkward, amusing and uncomfortable. The 3 month mark brought in curls, which gave some nostalgia, a bit of a boost, and really cemented that the Skullet was here to stay.

Now, I’ve got ringlets. I wake up looking like  in my daughter’s words "the crazy scientist." My partner had to stop me taking the clippers to it the other day and remind me that once it grows a little longer, Mr Einstein won’t be so prominent.

I continue to speak loudly about mental health, not in a “woe is me”, but in a constructive and supportive way. I check in with mates, share openly, and try to create conversations that are collaborative and encouraging, because that’s where real change happens.

Day 7

Wednesday 9th Apr
7 days in.

It’s not flattering — but that’s kind of the point. It’s a visual reminder of the discomfort so many of us carry inside every day. The kind we often hide behind a smile or a “I’m fine.”

This campaign isn’t about looking good. It’s about being real, sitting with the awkwardness, and showing up anyway — for ourselves and for others who might be struggling too.

On the plus side…
My daughter can’t stop touching my hair — it’s a total novelty.
It’s actually the longest it’s been her whole life.
So if nothing else, we’re making memories.

@yearoftheskullet
Proudly supporting @blackdoginst

Thank you to my Sponsors

$22.58

Luci Roberts

$420

Peter Brian And Michelle Pettigrove

Good work, Daniel! Pete and Michelle.Skullets Rule!

$69

Justin Cally

Go well

$80.25

Tilly Brian

$54.12

Lucy Schnall

$22.58

Rebecca Lister

$11.65

Glen Roberts

$131.88

Adam

Love how you’re embracing the discomfort to create conversation for such a good cause.

$11.65

Glen Roberts

$105.50

Belinda Lister

$54.86

Liz Quick

Please send a picture of your beauty at the end of the month. I can't wait to see it! And what a great cause and a great conversation starter. Well done

$54.86

Rebecca Hannon

Good on you Daniel! Can't wait to see the skullet 😎

$54.86

Kelly Rabbito

Great work Dan! Can’t wait to see the hair and also super proud of you for raising awareness about men’s mental health. Legend!

$26.25

Daniel Lister

$54.86

Kate Cinerari

👏

$54.86

Peter Lister

$42.20

Clare Roberts

Let’s go!

$54.86

Suzy Bragulla

Excellent cause and I look forward to the progression of your skullet!

$54.12

Anonymous

$54.12

Level 100

$11.65

Glen Roberts

Keep up the good work mate!

$106.12

Cabin Boy

May your wisps blow in the wind like a proud lion with its mighty mane. Keep up the good work dude and keep fighting for that good cause.