Haircuts, beauty treatments and a safe space to talk are coming to Aboriginal communities in South Eastern NSW in May, thanks to a partnership between the Walkabout Barber and COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW.

Brian Dowd, a proud Gamilaraay man, says the Walkabout Barber and Walkabout Beautiful bus, which is fitted out as a mobile salon offering professional barber, hairdressing and beauty appointments, works as a perfect setting for people to open up about their mental health.

A former professional Rugby League player who has seen his fair share of life’s ups and downs, Brian is now a qualified therapist in Indigenous Trauma and Recovery, combining his barbering skills with psychological and spiritual healing.  

“We are providing a space where you can get fresh on the outside and fresh on the inside, where mental health first aid can be provided by our team. 

"When we go out to regional, urban and remote communities, trauma is often hidden, even from family members. And sometimes families absorb trauma, but self-destructive ways of coping shouldn't be normalised," said Mr Dowd.

COORDINARE's Aboriginal Health Consultant Taneka Longbottom said, “We want to ensure our mob feel empowered, with greater awareness of support services and strategies for self-care and social and emotional wellbeing.  

“Receiving a fresh haircut, beard trim, mini manicure or eyebrow wax is a great way to encourage yarning about personal challenges. All clients will also be invited to join a Trauma and Recovery workshop with Brian, as well as a suicide prevention workshop outside the bus,” said Ms Longbottom. 

Free barber, hairdressing and beauty sessions will be available for local Aboriginal communities in Bega, Narooma, Mogo, Nowra, Wollongong and Yass between Monday 19 May and Friday 26 May. Bookings are not required; walk ins are welcome. Refreshments will also be provided. 

COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN works with Aboriginal communities to address inequities and improve health and wellbeing for communities in the South Eastern NSW region. Our website outlines some of the initiatives we support. 

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please contact:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au/forums

MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 Mensline.org.au

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resource portal: Healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au

Brother 2 Brother 24 hour crisis line: 1800 435 799 dardimunwurro.com.au/brother-to-brother

Yarn safe: headspace.org.au/yarn-safe

Well mob: wellmob.org.au 

In an emergency, call 000 (triple zero).