The day coincides with the national White Ribbon Day initiative to encourage men and boys to take a stand against violence.

Participants are asked to assemble outside the Tatts Hotel at 9.30am for a 10am start. The march will follow Byron Street to the Union Bar in Otho Street where one minute of silence will be observed for those who have lost their lives to violence, including Inverell resident Simone Mottram.

Simone died as a result of multiple stab wounds allegedly inflicted by her son Bradley on October 19.

A morning tea will follow at the Union Bar with speeches from Inverell White Ribbon ambassadors Graham Kerridge and Ken Williams.

Union Bar owner Joel McNamara has been cultivating a thick beard for the past two years, but decided to sacrifice his trademark locks to raise money for the White Ribbon cause or the Inverell Anti-violence committee.

Just as a person who exercises violence can transform, so Joel felt he could transform his look in support of the fight against violence.

He admitted it will be tough to lose the beard.

“The hardest thing over the last month or so as it’s got closer and closer, the beard’s started to look really good,” Joel said with a sheepish smile. 

Joel said there had been opportunities to shave for an event or a charity, but the chances never eventuated until White Ribbon.

“White Ribbon is a male-led campaign to stop violence, so it’s really taking a stand and showing people you do care.”

People can donate to Joel’s White Ribbon appeal through https://getactiveeventswr.everydayhero.com/au/shave-the-beard, or the Union Bar.