General News
20 March, 2026
Havilah’s Mandy Robinson raises over $2000 for the Leukaemia Foundation
Much loved Havilah carer Mandy Robinson has taken on a brave cut for a cause close to the heart.
On Wednesday afternoon, Ms Robinson took on the World’s Greatest Shave, raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation, a cause she said has long been deeply important to her family.
“When I was 22, I had twin girls. One of them, Danielle, was two and a half on Christmas Eve when she was diagnosed with leukaemia,” she said.
As a result, her daughter endured long yet lifesaving treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital throughout her earliest years.
“So, we spent many years down in Melbourne. She had a relapse and we would go through it all again,” Ms Robinson said.
While her daughter is now a happy and thriving adult, Ms Robinson also lost her father to Leukaemia when he was only 51.
Hence, she wanted to give back to a cause that has helped so many other families.
“I have always had it in the back of my mind, it was something I wanted to do, but I just kept putting it off,” Ms Robinson said.
“I haven’t donated in five years, because no one has cash anymore, they want to tap and go, and I don’t do that, so what can I do to give back for the times I haven’t?”
For what was only supposed to be a family occasion, the word spread to coworkers, and more of the Havilah community wanted to show their support. Within a few months, Ms Robinson had posters and a web page dedicated to her cause.
As a result, her shave was witnessed by over 50 spectators, including Havilah residents, staff and family, some of whom drove four hours to see the event.
“All day, people were saying ‘three hours to go Mandy’ or ‘if you want to pull out, you can now’ but once I made up my mind, I thought ‘no, this is what I want to do’,” Ms Robinson said.
“It’s blown my mind, I thought it was just going to be a small thing. Even when I rang the Leukaemia Foundation, they asked me what my goal was, money wise. I said I didn’t know, so it was set to $100.”
The expectations were beyond exceeded. After a lengthy count of proceeds, Ms Robinson raised an impressive $2610.30
Money from World’s Greatest Shave goes directly to the Leukaemia Foundation, supporting a variety of funds including research, assisting families of patients in hospital, as well as support services.
“There’s a couple different things it can go to, $80 is one nights accommodation for a family of a patient, $30 is care packs for patients or $150 could do something more,” Ms Robinson said.
Throughout the whole campaign, she said she has been profoundly moved by the support of those around her for taking on a cause helping so many other families.
“I’m just amazed by how many people, residents and staff, got behind me ... it has been amazing, they have been super supportive,” Ms Robinson said.
“We have an unbelievable Havilah community, and a family that is unbelievable.