Craig Hollywood named as WA Local Hero Winner in Australian of the Year Awards

Craig Hollywood (right) with West Australian Governor The Honourable Kim Beazley AC at the WA Australian of the Year Awards.

CEO and Founder of charity group Short Back & Sidewalks (SBSW) Craig Hollywood has been named as WA's Local Hero in the 2022 Australian of the Year awards.

The 38-year-old has been recognised for his efforts in helping disadvantaged and marginalised individuals build connections and confidence through free haircuts.

What once began as a charity with three people, offering free haircuts to vulnerable individuals in an inner-city carpark in 2015, has grown to an organisation with 250 volunteers spanning the country.

Craig said the award was also a way to acknowledge those who contributed a tireless amount of hours to assist those who came to the charity for help.

2022 Australian of the Year Western Australia winners (L-R): Paul Litherland, Janice Standen, Kendall White and Craig Hollywood.

"For an organisation to have grown to this point solely by the dedication of its volunteers is testament to everyone involved and the impact we’ve made across the country," Craig said.

The charity has now expanded across Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory.

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 communities where a haircut isn’t easily accessible, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people sleeping rough or in insecure housing.

“Being recognised 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," he said.

SBSW continually seeks new volunteers and donations to help the charity maintain its client base and seek new ones all across the country.