On Thursday, 21 May, 40 students in Year 12 traded their long locks for a legacy, participating in the annual “Flinders Cuts for a Cause” lunchtime event.
The “Cuts for a Cause” event is the centrepiece of a five-week student-led fundraising campaign at the College, known as the “Flinders Colours for a Cause”, which has already surged past $45,000 in donations.
This year’s fundraising builds on the incredible $40,000 fundraising record led by the Year 12s in 2025 and donated to Bloomhill Cancer Care.
This year, all proceeds will again benefit Bloomhill Cancer Care, providing vital integrative support for Sunshine Coast residents living with cancer.
Many of the students participating in the "Cuts for a Cause" event have shared their personal stories of how cancer has impacted their family and friends.
Flinders Year 12 student Lucy M said, “This cause is especially important to me, as in October of last year, my younger brother was diagnosed with AML leukemia. For the past six months, he has undergone treatment at Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane. His treatment required him to remain in the hospital during his month-long chemo rounds with short stays at home in between. Thankfully, his cancer is now in remission and he returned with us to school at Flinders this month.”
Mr Sam Huckstep, the Flinders Head of Senior School, said, "Year 12 requires students to balance their academic studies with co-curricular activities but it is vital for students to also look outward with an act of altruism and selflessness.
"Learning the value in making a positive, lasting impact on the local community is a core part of the Flinders experience."
Beyond the financial donations, the students have also donated their chopped ponytails to Sustainable Salons to be crafted into wigs for those experiencing medically-induced hair loss.
Local salon Suite Three Hair in Buderim returned for another year to oversee the styling, while parents and grandparents joined the stage to take the first ceremonial snips of their children's hair.
A Legacy of Giving
The Flinders Year 12 cohort has a proud history of service, with fundraising totals growing year-on-year for each “Colours for a Cause” campaign:
- 2023: $20,000 (donated to The Board Meeting charity)
- 2024: $25,000 (Little Windmills charity)
- 2025: $40,000+ (Bloomhill Cancer Care)
Principal Michelle Carroll commended the seniors for their empathy and leadership.
"These students are demonstrating how inclusive and rewarding community service can be. Every donation supports Bloomhill’s mission to provide compassionate care as the demand for cancer support services continues to rise,” Ms Carroll said.
The "Colours for a Cause" campaign, led by the Year 12 Prefects, includes a range of campus-wide activities designed to engage students from Prep through to Year 12.
