There are 116,000 experiencing homelessness across Australia.
That’s 1 in 200 people.
When you’re cold, hungry, scared, and don't know where you'll be sleeping tonight, how high a priority is your appearance? Positive connection and enhanced appearance is integral to your self confidence and mental health well-being.
What We Do
Short Back & Sidewalks (SBSW) is a free hair-cutting and grooming service for members of the community who are experiencing homelessness. Until recently, we were governed and operated entirely by volunteers.
We work alongside service providers across Australia, providing friendly and attentive hair-cutting experiences with some of Australia’s best hairdressers and barbers as our volunteers. Short Back & Sidewalks currently operates in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and New South Wales.
Our service goes beyond just giving free haircuts; we create meaningful connections through conversations with clients, and create visibility for some of the most marginalised community members in Australia.
Our Values
Inclusion
We give everyone a fair go. We listen with empathy and compassion, creating positive connections.
Teamwork
We support each other to deliver more. We are honest, committed and kind. We never compromise the organisation.
Collaboration
We partner with other like minded community services, business and government to ensure our services are coordinated and easy to access.
Economical
We look for ways to deliver our services in a safe and efficient manner so we can use our resources to help more people access our services.
Sustainable
We are here for the long term. We are safe and reliable. We look after the environment and actively engage with the communities we work in.
Our History
Short Back & Sidewalks started in Perth, Western Australia, in early 2015. The first haircuts took place in a car park behind a shopping arcade in Northbridge. It was a simple set up for a simple idea that has gone on to grow, help and inspire across Australia.
Over time we developed relationships with a number of service providers, and started delivering hair cuts onsite at their premises. We have found that meeting our clients in safe, familiar spaces, and tying in with existing service providers, is the most effective way to engage.
In 2017 we expanded our services to New South Wales (Sydney), followed by the Northern Terriority in 2018, Victoria (Melbourne) in 2021, and South Australia (Adelaide) in 2022.
In 2024 we are expanding our services to 10 regional locations across Western Australia, supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
We’ve grown from a small team of three volunteers when starting out, to a national team with over 150 volunteers led by a small paid team. We’re always on the lookout for new volunteers and new partners.
Contact us here to host a haircutting event or learn more about volunteering with us here.
Like what you see and want to join us? We’re always looking for new volunteers.