The Community Hair Project is all about restoring self-esteem to those who are living on the streets or currently in hard situations – one hair cut at a time.

Peter Spark was just one of more than 40 men, women and children who received haircuts on November 21, and he said he was grateful for such a service coming to town.

“Today I was able to come for lunch, get my hair cut and have a chat to some people and it was great,” Mr Spark said.

“Bill the hairdresser was really good and we have a good chat while he was going his thing.

“All the hairdressers do a great job and I think it gives people hope that there is someone who cares.

“Everyone involved in the project are so nice and it really is a great thing that they are doing.”

Mr Spark said with the cost of living increasing things like a hair cut can get forgotten.

“Rent and food and generally the lost of living is so high so it has been a while since I had a hair cut because they are expensive,” he said.

“But something like this is just so amazing and I can’t say thank you enough.”

Christina Mastello is the organiser of the project and said it was lovely to see the community coming together.

“Today it was been overwhelming how much love and joy is in the place as volunteers and those doing it tough come together,” Ms Mastello said.

“Everyone who is here today has volunteered their time and when someone sits down for a hair cut it is just as if they are doing it in a salon.

“Our hairdressers have been phenomenal donating their time and doing these hair cuts just to give back.”

She said the idea of the hair cuts is just about giving someone who is having a hard time  

“Usually we have people come to us who are homeless or leaving domestic violent situations but other times we help those in poverty.

“We are so proud that something as simple as a hair cut and a judgement free chat can help someone.”

And the good news is due to the success of the project in Port Macquaire the Community Hair Project has already committed coming back to Port Macquarie in 2019.

“Today has gone so well we have already booked in to come back every four months in 2019,” she said.

“As well as that we will be here in April for a collaboration with the Port Macquarie Community College for Youth Week and are exploring other options with local groups.

“Port Macquarie is such a great place we can’t wait to come back, reconnect with the people we have met today and help even more people who are living in difficult situations.”

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