Short Back & Sidewalks (SBSW) delivered its first regional service today (22 April 2024), with over 20 people in need receiving haircuts free of charge and free of judgment at Bunbury’s Intown Centre.
“I feel like a changed woman.”- Frances*
“I’ve never seen a vibe in here like this, it’s made my day.” – David*
Bunbury is the first of 11 regional locations forming part of SBSW’s expansion, with Geraldton beginning next week.
From humble beginnings in a Perth carpark to now creating positive connections in regional Western Australia, SBSW was a simple idea that has gone on to create positive connections across Australia.
Hungry, scared and not sure where they’ll be sleeping, a haircut isn’t a high priority for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. People like Frances* and David*.
“Our first haircut took place nine years ago for someone going for a job interview who’d fallen on hard times,” said SBSW founder Craig Hollywood. (Pictured left)
“It was more than just a haircut. It was an opportunity for a person to connect, to have a conversation, and to feel like they belong.
“We’ve now delivered over 7,000 haircuts around Australia and to see SBSW go on to positively impact people in regional WA is a big moment.”
After Geraldton, the regional expansion will continue to Kalgooorlie in May with Carnarvon to follow soon after. CEO Natalie Jenkins has welcomed the support SBSW has already received from local communities.
“We have had tremendous support from the local community in Bunbury to be the first regional city to have Short Back & Sidewalks’ services,” she said.
“We are also in discussions with Derby in the hope to have services up and running there over coming months and then we’ll be turning our attention to the southern regions of WA.
“By the end of the year, Short Back & Sidewalks will be in 11 regional cities and towns in WA.
“We are grateful for the support received from the Federal Government through the Department of Social Services and Lotterywest toward this important expansion.”
Short Back & Sidewalks aim is to give 15,000 free haircuts and positive community connections by 2025.
*names changed
Photo credit: Luke Caruana, Great Minds Media
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