Short Back & Sidewalks founder named as finalist in Australian of the Year Awards

It's not often that a concept designed to empower those less fortunate is not only successfully executed, but is humbly acknowledged by those who set the standard on what Australia is supposed to be. 

This year, the Perth-based CEO and Founder of Short Back & Sidewalks (SBSW) Craig Hollywood has been nominated as a finalist  in the Local Hero category of the Australian of the Year Awards for 2022.

What began as a thought, grew to a plan and now has delivered thousands of haircuts to those experiencing homelessness, disadvantage, or marginalisation - free of charge and free of judgement.

CEO Craig Hollywood started the initiative in Perth and now the charity has expanded across WA, NSW, VIC and in the N.T. 

“Short Back & Sidewalks is about creating meaningful connections with people while providing professional haircutting services,” Mr Hollywood said.

The charity was founded in 2015 with a team of three volunteers offering free haircuts to vulnerable community members from a carpark in Northbridge.

"The standard you walk past is the standard you accept, and I didn't want to accept what I was seeing anymore."

"I didn't want to see people isolated. I didn't want to see the difference between "have" and the "have-nots". What we offer may not meet all their needs but this is a chance to give people what money can't buy. Respect and confidence."

Since then, SBSW has grown to over 250 volunteers across the country and partners with organisations like RUAH, St Vincent de Paul, Mission Australia, and Orange Sky Laundry to support people in need.

SBSW works on-site with service providers in spaces that are familiar and safe for people. The charity supports a range of people experiencing disadvantage, including women with lived experience of family and domestic violence, youth at-risk, remote Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people sleeping rough or in insecure housing.

“Being nominated for this award is an honour, but more than anything I hope it provides an opportunity to get more people involved with Short Back & Sidewalks.”

“Right now, we’re recruiting volunteers to join us at Mission Australia’s Christmas Lunch in the Park.”

“It’s Australia's longest running and largest community funded Christmas event designed specifically for those most in need, and it’s right here in East Perth. We’ll be joining them to bring haircuts, conversations and Christmas cheer to people.”

“If you’re a hairdresser or barber and want to give back this Christmas, please check out our website and sign up for Christmas Lunch in the Park.”

Media contact: Robbie Williamson – 0425 215 919 – robbie@shortbackandsidewalks.com