Craig Hollywood and Short Back & Sidewalks honoured at Australian Hair Industry Awards 2024
“Hairdressers and barbers are changing people’s lives each and every day.”
Short Back & Sidewalks founder Craig Hollywood was honoured with the AHIA Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian of the Year 2024 at the Australian Hair Industry Awards 2024 - Business on Sunday 20th October.
The much-anticipated gala awards ceremony was held at The Star, Gold Coast with Australia’s leading hairdressers, salons, specialist businesses, educators and professional products also taking home awards.
Craig acknowledged the positive impact volunteers from the hair industry have on people’s lives who access SBSW services.
“The power of a good look cannot be underestimated. When you look good, you feel good,” said Craig.
“And not only does it impact our confidence but also it makes an improvement to our mental health, which is something we often hear about with the people who access the services of Short Back & Sidewalks.”
SBSW gives haircuts free of charge and free of judgement.
It was created by Craig after witnessing a service delivery gap to the community in need. Since beginning in Western Australia in early 2015, the charity has given over 8,500 free haircuts and had over 17,000 positive connections with 200 volunteers across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
Through the act of giving a haircut, volunteers build a connection with clients, offering a time and space in which they are not defined by their circumstances; they are seen, heard and valued.
Created by Mocha Group, the AHIAs were launched due to national demand for a platform to highlight business achievement and recognise excellence, providing an exciting snapshot of the impressive quality of the industry.
Entries were judged by an independent panel of international and national judges consisting of industry, media and PR professionals, as well as business specialists from fields including architecture and finance.
Mocha Group Owner and Founder Linda Woodhead was humbled to recognise Craig and his huge contribution.
“What a year for Craig and the Short Back & Sidewalks team,” she said.
“They continue to set an incredible precedent for what it means to be generous within the hair industry with this latest accolade.
“All of our AHIA winners are increasingly looked to as global leaders and we look forward to having them on board as the perfect example of some of our most exciting and innovative award ambassadors.
“I hope the entire hair community joins me in celebrating this honour.”
Short Back & Sidewalks aims to give 15,000 haircuts by 2025 – a goal Craig said can be achieved with the help of volunteers from the hair industry.
“To be acknowledged at this level by the Australian hair industry is something that proves how committed they are to positively impacting the lives of people experiencing homelessness and poverty, and it’s something we are all truly grateful for.”