Port Hedland’s Hijacked Barbers offer free haircuts to raise awareness during Homelessness Week

A simple haircut can empower the most marginalised in our community, according to a Port Hedland business leader. Hijacked Barbers’ manager Marilyn Balavu said grooming was a key to building confidence in local men and women who may be struggling with homelessness or mental health challenges. Last week, the organisation offered free haircuts at South Hedland Lotteries House as part of a national Homelessness Week initiative to raise awareness of people living rough across the nation. Ms Balavu said haircuts were empowering for people. “It’s a wonderful thing to see (someone) smile when they have a haircut or any grooming done. It builds their confidence and they can move on with life,” she said. Ms Balavu’s brother and business partner Issac Hottes said being away from friends and family could take its toll on men’s mental health. “One thing I can say is tough times don’t last, tough people do,” he said. Homelessness Week is a nation wide initiative to highlight the impact of homelessness on Australian communities. The event was hosted by Pilbara Community Legal Service.