ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

Cricketing great Doug Bollinger is auctioning off his iconic ‘Baggy Blonde’ for the bushfire appeal, joining a number of other sporting greats parting with some of their most beloved memorabilia.

The former fast bowler took to social media this morning, welcoming his followers to bid on the hair plugs he had put in shortly before his Test debut in 2009.

“One Thai-made hair-piece,” wrote Bollinger.

“In used condition. Originally came in plug form, tastefully repurposed into a gentleman’s toupee for ease of use. Always serviced, conditioned and shampooed. Comes as is, no warranty included. All monies donated to charity.”

At the time of print, the hair, which was once attached to a West Australian backpacker who ran out of money halfway through their holiday, had attracted bids of nearly $9000.

The current winning bid is held by his former teammate Stuart MacGill, who refused to tell The Advocate why he wanted it or what he planned to do with it.

Our reporter no longer wants to know what Mr MacGill plans to do with it.

More to come.

For those who’d rather give their money directly to organisations that desperately need it, donations to the Salvation Army, the Australian Red Cross and state-based brigades like the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Victoria’s Country Fire Authority and South Australia’s Country Fire Service will go towards bushfire efforts. You can also donate money to the RSPCA’s bushfire appeal. NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES), a not-for-profit where trained volunteers rehabilitate injured wildlife, is also accepting donations to help pay for things including food, medical supplies and vet fees. Wildlife Victoria says donations to its bushfire relief fund will be distributed to wildlife shelters around the state and carers to help rebuild enclosures and equipment that they have lost in the fires. To support farmers and their injured livestock, you can find more information at FarmHub, a National Farmers’ Federation initiative.



