INTERNATIONALLY recognised Australian musician and actor, Axle Whitehead will be returning to his home roots later this month when he will be putting on a show in Woolsthorpe to raise money for mental health organisation, Let’s Talk. 

Accompanied by ARIA Award Winning producer and song writer, Carl Dimataga, the musicians who have shared an extensive friendship will combine to support the Warrnambool-based mental health foundation, which was established in 2016 due to a shocking increase in suicide rates in the south west.

Whitehead said he was looking forward to getting involved and raising funds for a worthwhile cause.

“I am pumped to be heading back to the Western District,” he told The Spectator.

“I thought it would be great to put on a night for the locals and have an old school fashion shake down- it will be a really fun night, there will be lot of party bangers, old and modern tunes.

“Mental health- it’s not a big scary subject.

“It’s been a difficult time for everyone recently, so I thought why not get some coin for (Let’s Talk), which will help their services and provide that discussion that people aren’t alone.”

With the former local returning to music after an acting stint, he has plans to release a single for his upcoming record later this year, co-written and produced by Dimataga.

“It’s been great to bunk down and focus on my first love- music,” Whitehead said.

“(Carl Dimataga) and I have been recording, writing and playing for 20 years now, he is an incredible writer and producer, and the best guitarist I’ve ever played with… we just musically clicked.”

The Warrnambool-born artist grew up between Hawkesdale and Penshurst, attending The Hamilton and Alexandra College between 1987 and 1993.

Following this, the singer studied music at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne and went on to tour with a band in China and Hong Kong before he appeared on the first series of Australian Idol in 2003.

“I had only just come back from touring, and one of my mates dragged me to (Australian Idol) auditions,” Whitehead said.

“It was pretty mind blowing… that turned out to be the best thing for my career.”

He finished among the top 20 contestants on Australian Idol, alongside season one stars, Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noel.

His experience on Australian Idol helped him land the job as host of Channel 10’s former television music show, Video Hits, where he travelled the world interviewing artists such as Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Oasis and Duran Duran.

In 2008, Whitehead released his first studio album, where his single "I Don't Do Surprises" debuted at No. 8 on the ARIA Charts in Australia.

Whilst having a passion for music, he began exploring his interest in acting and took up lessons, before he landed his first “proper” acting role as a guest in Channel Seven's Home and Away for 15 episodes, and eventually signed a three-year contract as a regular cast member.

Whitehead left the show in 2012 to expand his acting career in Los Angeles, and featured in the popular US showtime series, Shameless as Australian rock musician, Davis, in season five.

“I remember being riddled with nerves,” he said.

“The level of opportunity (in LA) is extraordinary, however there are 10 times as many people trying to do what you want to do.”

He also appeared in a season of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

“The opportunity was great- however there’s a lot of rejection that comes with being in that industry which does take a toll on you,” Whitehead said.

After about eight years in LA, he returned to Australia to undergo surgery before COVID struck and has since appeared as a guest in the popular Australian TV shows, Neighbours, and The Masked Singer Australia where he finished in third place as “Mullet” in season three.

In his visit home, Whitehead also intends to be a guest judge at The Hamilton and Alexandra College’s House Music competition and said he is looking forward to returning to his former school.

“Ben (Hiscock) runs a great music program there- it’s nice to give back and be a part of it,” he said.

“It will be awesome to see young kids play music- you don’t have to be good at it- it’s the joy of making it with others.”

All are encouraged to see Axle Whitehead and Carl Dimataga perform at the Union Station Hotel in Woolsthorpe on Friday, August 30, starting at 7pm with free entry, however a donation will be encouraged at the door which will go towards mental health organisation, Let’s Talk.