Colin's death on April 29, devastated Greg, his parents Brian and Maria, and everyone who knew and loved the talented, and charismatic 17-year-old who was in his final year of schooling at St Joseph's Catholic High School.

"I was almost 17 when Colin was born, going into Year 12 myself, so feel I had a part in raising him as well as mum and dad," Greg said.

"So when he died, it was like losing a son, a brother and a best mate.

"There were no red flags for us to know he was suffering depression or was stressed, he never talked about it."

That's why Greg - and his friend from primary school Joey Edwards - are taking part in this year's Movember campaign which raises funds for, and awareness about, men's health issues including suicide.

"It's important for me to start the conversation with others," Greg said. " If by doing that I can save even one life - and stop another family from feeling the pain my family has to go through - then that's a win."

It was only the birth of his own son - two weeks after Colin's death - that added some light to Greg's life this year.

"The last six months has been an emotional roller coaster," he said. "There's been the absolute lows of losing a brother, and the absolute joys of having a baby.

"But knowing that there's eight suicides on average each day in Australia - and six of those are males - is something I can't ignore, especially now with two young boys.

"The hardest thing I've ever had to do is wake up one morning and tell my oldest boy, at age five, that he'll never see his uncle again. That's heartbreaking."

On Friday, staff from Eddy's Barber Shop gave both Greg and Joey a clean shave to mark the start of Movember at Joey's family business, Edwards Mowers Repairs at Oak Flats.

Last year the Stihl dealership raised funds for the cause, with Stihl Australia a major partner of the Movember Foundation. This year, the Edwards Mowers team aim to raise even more.

"Most of all though we want to break the stigma of mental health, of suicide," Greg said.

"Boys and men often feel like they need to be tough and 'man up' but the reality is that 'it ain't weak to speak'.

"If people are struggling, if they're doing it tough, they need to speak to someone."

Read more: Three generations of Oak Flats cricketers take the field in memory of mate

Movember's mission is to reduce the rate of male suicide by 25 per cent by 2030 - through conversations, education, better services and advocacy.

Its aim is to stop men and boys - like Colin - dying too young.

"He was a really gifted young man," Greg said. "He was brilliant at sport, at cricket and soccer especially.

"He was very intelligent, at the top of his classes, and played a number of instruments including saxophone, guitar and piano. He was good at everything he tried his hand at.

"He was also charismatic and good looking and had a lot of friends. We can't believe he's gone."

To support the team click here

If you need help call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467.