Harry ‘The Mudflap’ Plias is a Melton local bowls legend, known for his iconic money-raising mullet. Harry is aiming to raise $600 through Bowl For Your Lives (BFYL), an initiative promoting positive conversations about mental health and the benefits of lawn bowls. As Harry prepares to shave his iconic mullet, he spoke with reporter Jack O’Shea-Ayres about bowls, mental health and how donating to a worthy cause motivates him.
What’s your connection to the Melton area?
My connection to the local area is that I play lawn bowls for Melton and have friends and family that live in the area.
What do you like about Melton?
I love that I can travel for about five minutes and be out into the open countryside. It’s a beautiful part of the world and I wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else.
What, if anything, would you change about the Melton area?
I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
At the bowling club with my mates spending hours just chatting and enjoying their company. The people in this town are truly beautiful and always a joy to spend time with.
Where did your bowls journey start? How did you get into it?
It all started when I was eight years old. It was my family that got me into the sport. I’m the fourth generation of my family to play
Tell me more about what inspires you to raise money for mental health? Does it excite you to see people donating to a worthy cause?
I’m inspired to raise money for Bowls For Your Lives because it’s a cause that I wholeheartedly believe in. I’m inspired by the fact that the community has come together and been so generous for our club’s fundraising efforts. I have been growing my mullet for just over a year now in preparation for this. The charity is one I hold close to my heart and the support for the fundraiser so far has been incredible, everyone around the club has been amazing.
What’s your message for those out there who might be struggling with their mental health?
As lonely as it may feel in a tough time, you are never alone. Melton Bowls Club is always a home to anyone struggling, reach out and have a chat or even come down for a drink or a roll we are more than happy to welcome anyone who needs it, Never Give up.
